GORE BAY—One of the longest serving employees of St. Joseph’s Lodge (formerly the Manitoulin Lodge Nursing Home) was feted by administration, fellow employees and residents for her positive impact on the residents and families lives.
“Thank you for all joining us here this afternoon to celebrate one awesome person,” stated Jaime-Lynn Kalmikov, administrator of St. Joseph’s. “For those that don’t know, Diane Riching has worked in this home for the last 44 years!”
“It amazes me the loyalty and service you have provided to this community,” said Ms. Kalmikov. “You have positively impacted so many residents and families lives because of your care.”
“Diane has always been there when someone needed something,” stated a resident at St. Joseph’s.
Ms. Kalmikov said, “I have always appreciated your work as a PSW (personal support worker). I will admit, when I first became an employee of this home six years ago, I was a little nervous, to say the least, when I had to ask you to work overtime. Even worse was when I had to mandate overtime, in the very rare occurrence when it would make its way up to you. However, I learned quickly that you were willing to support wherever you could, working with your team to make sure the shifts were covered.”
“Over the years of working in this home with you, I have seen the dedication and care you have for your residents. You have always been an advocate, not only for the residents, but for your co-workers as well,” said Ms. Kalmikov. “I appreciate how you have always been a straight shooter and brought forward great improvements and suggestions to better this home for everyone. I have enjoyed your humour. And I will miss those side jokes we would share together. We have relied on you to teach many of our students and new hires because you have the reliability and devotion that we appreciate from our employees.”
“I know your residents and teammates feel the same and will miss you in this home because of all these wonderful qualities you have brought into this home as an employee, friend and coworker,” continued Ms. Kalmikov.
Ms. Kalmikov added, “I truly admire and appreciate you, Diane. I don’t have favourites, however, and I can only say this now because technically in a few minutes you are no longer an employee of this home, you have definitely been one of my favourites. I will miss you around here. I wish you all the happiness and travel and fun in your retirement. You deserve it.”
Kris Czok, a co-worker quipped that upon meeting Ms. Riching, “When I first met you I thought you were one of the crankiest people I’ve known, but it ended up you are one of the best friends I have ever had. Thank you.”
“I would like to congratulate and wish Diane all the best in your retirement,” said Leo Orford. He thanked Ms. Riching for being the treasurer over 33 years with CUPE 2368.
Caleigh Whatling, a co-worker, read a statement from Ms. Riching which read, “It is with mixed emotions that today is my last day. Sometimes the days were long, but the years flew by so fast.”
“I’ve been lucky to have amazing co-workers who have also become good friends,” said Ms. Riching. “I want to say a special thank you to all of you incredible girls from the Philippines. You came here when we needed you most. I could not have stayed here this long if it wasn’t for all of you. I wish you all the best for whatever comes next for you.”
“Also, thanks to Kris for always making me laugh everyday when I needed it,” stated Ms. Riching. “And Lara, glad we’ll still see each other for trivia.”
“I feel like I’m leaving, knowing these residents that we all have come to care about are in good caring hands with the amazing staff and Jaime at the helm,” said Ms. Riching. “Thanks for everything. I will miss you all.”