Audience: associates in the immediate department or larger group
Message: You have made a valuable contribution; best wishes in your retirement.
Tone: informal
Timing: 2-3 minutes

Samuel Johnson wryly observed: “Don’t think of retiring from the world until the world will be sorry that you retire. I hate a fellow whom pride or cowardice or laziness drive into a corner, and who does nothing when he is there but sit and growl. Let him come out as I do, and bark.”

Well, the world—at least ours here at (company)—is sorry to see (name) retire. And not that he’s been barking. But rather that he’s been leading the pack.

(Name), we’re going to miss that leadership. You’ve been vocal about policies that needed to be changed; management has changed them. You’ve been vocal about quality manufacturing; we’ve set up new quality-control procedures. You’ve been vocal about teamwork rather than turf divisions; we’re still working on that. But I think we’ve come a long way.

Because you have “been there,” been in the battle wholeheartedly, the demands of the job have been do-able and our motivation has been replenished with your enthusiasm,… your insight,… and your dedication.

That’s not to say, of course, that we have always agreed. We haven’t. But always, (name) has stood up for what he thought was right and best for all concerned, often in the face of heavy opposition. We agonized over delays and decisions and deadlines. We fought budget defeat, equipment deficiencies, and computer downtime. He has worked hard and long to bridge whatever gap there happened to be. There were even times we considered other careers—both of us. But the work was enjoyable because, ultimately, we were always on the same side—quality service to our customers.

I could go on to compliment (name)’s competence and his results. But then those have been obvious to everyone who has had opportunity to work with him. He has handled his work with admirable efficiency and expertise. As a result, we can say to our colleagues in the industry that our company is one to model.

Let me just sum up by saying, we as a company and as individuals will feel a great loss from your absence, (name). You command our attention and our respect.

We understand that you plan to remain in this area and continue your volunteer work with (project or organization). It’s good that you have a plan.

Let me just add a few other suggestions for these golden years: Continue to sound off in public about what our community and world needs to change. Influence our young people to apply themselves. Exercise every day. And spend your children’s inheritance!

Our best as you do so. Your rest and relaxation is well deserved.