 Gordon McCutcheon (left) and Thomas Ryder |
Long-time forklift industry figure Gordon McCutcheon bid adieu to the working world via an email in English and French to nearly 160 colleagues, acquaintances and contacts.
"On June 29th, 2012, I will retire after 41 and a half years in the lift truck industry," McCutcheon wrote. "Of this time, 27 years have been spent at JH Ryder Machinery Ltd. To all of you with whom I have worked, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation for your support and help in making my career a most fulfilling one."
Ron Greer, Ryder chief executive officer, says, "Gord started with us in 1980 as salesman and worked in his territory for nine years and made it very successful. He was then promoted to sales manager for JH Ryder eastern region. After many outstanding years Gord left for a brief time in 1994 but returned to manage the sales team again to make it strong and prosperous."
Numerous recipients responded to McCutcheon's message.
"We will all miss you," says Richard Green, director of sales with Nissan Forklift Corp in Marengo, Illinois, United States.
"It has been a great pleasure working with you," observes Gilles Ganassa, managing director of Bolzoni Auramo Canada Ltd in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec, Canada.
"Thank you for all your help, Gord," notes Julio Otey, business development manager in St-Laurent, Quebec, Canada for the Quebec provincial and Atlantic Canada territories of Camoplast Solideal Inc.
"Relax and enjoy," says Ed Vasicek. "In a couple of years, I'll join you. Vasicek is vice president of sales with Eagle Tugs in Taylor, Michigan, United States.
Ryder Machinery describes itself as "the premier material handling dealer in Canada", operates 13 full-service branches in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec and sells and services forklifts from the Crown, Nissan, Clark, Doosan, Sellick and Cushman brands.
Thomas Ryder is chairman of the Mississauga, Ontario-based materials handling equipment company.