Bogle?s career celebrated at postmaster?s retirement party

Charles Bogle left behind tears of joy and sorrow when he retired as McMinnville postmaster Wednesday.

The all-day celebration began at 8 a.m. with a private get-together of friends, family and co-workers. That?s when the tears started.

David Underwood, manager of post office operations, presented Bogle with a certificate of retirement and appreciation for dedication to the United States Postal System for 40 years.

During his 40 years of service, Bogle accumulated 99 weeks of sick leave. In all that time, he has used only one sick day and that was to take his wife to the doctor.

?He truly is a one-of-a-kind man,? said Underwood. ?A man that not only holds my highest respect and admiration, but who I am proud to say I can call a friend.?

All good speeches begin with preparation.

To prepare for his speech, Bogle wrote notes on a roll of toilet paper. On the two-ply was written:

1. Don?t Cry!

2. Be Brief!

3. Don?t Cry!

4. Be Brief!

5. Thank Everyone!

6. Don?t Cry!!

?I?m leaving to begin a new journey in my life,? said Bogle. ?I?m going to miss everyone here. It?s going to be Saturday every day and I?ll take 30 minutes for lunch. Bob Hope used to end all his shows the same way and I?m going to use those words ?Thanks for the memories.??

Present at the celebration was Bogle?s wife, Rosene, who was happy to see her husband retire but saddened because she knows he is giving up something he loves.

?He?s a good person to have around,? Rosene. ?We will enjoy our time together. But he?ll stay busy. We just got a new puppy for Christmas. There won?t be any peace and quiet until it?s trained.?

His daughter, Lori Boyd, was also present for his farewell ceremony.

?He?s just a good man,? said Boyd. ?He never has a mean word for anybody. My dad treated everyone the same. It doesn?t matter who you are. A lot of people appreciate that.?

The celebration continued in the main lobby of the post office. Refreshments were set up and Bogle welcomed visitors with a smile and a hand shake until 5 p.m.

Along with tears of joy and sorrow, Bogle left with a plaque from his co-workers naming him ?Employee of All Years.?