Retirement after 70 years of working in Patterson’s Hardware

Eighty-seven-year-old Bobby Williams has just retired from Patterson’s Hardware store in Roscrea after seventy years working in the establishment.

Although happy to retire, Bobby has deeply valued his experience of seven decades working in his store.

“Tremendously, I’ve loved every minute of it. I’d love to do it again, but that’s not on,” chuckled Bobby, as he responded to being asked about his long working life.

The main highlight of Bobby’s workday has been the opportunity to interact with people from his community in Roscrea.

“Meeting the public, that’s what I love. Meeting the public and talking to the public and working in the shop, I love every minute of it,” explained Bobby.

Patterson’s Hardware has been a family run business for the past 86 years. Originally, Bobby began working alongside his uncle Tom Patterson, and for the last forty years, he has worked alongside his son, Colin Williams.

“We got on great together,” said Bobby as he spoke proudly about working with his son Colin over the past forty years.

“It was great to work with him for all that time. It certainly is an emotional time,”explained Colin, as he spoke about his feelings about celebrating his father’s retirement.

Retirement Celebrations

As he celebrated his last weekend of working in the store, Bobby was congratulated by fellow staff members and customers on Friday and Saturday of last week.

Said Colin: “We had posters and balloons and there was a load of customers in to wish him well. It went very well and there was a load of people in on both days, some with cards.

“He was thrilled, I’d say he was delighted with the reaction to it, to be honest.”

An Emotional Time

“Bobby is a pleasure to work with - he’s a gem,” explained Sue Minehan, who has been working in the store for the last 15 years alongside Bobby and Colin.

“Bobby gets on fantastically with everyone in the town, he’s so respected,” continued Sue.

Alongside Bobby’s kind nature being highlighted by fellow staff members, Colin also noted his dad’s intense work ethic.

“He’s certainly a hard worker - he’s incredible. It’s like clockwork: Every morning you get the notification on the phone that he’s in store. He’d be there all day and would be constantly on the go and constantly on his feet,” he explained.

Well Wishes on Facebook

Alongside people calling into store to wish Bobby well on his retirement, people have taken to Facebook to wish Bobby the very best of luck.

“Wishing you a very happy retirement Bobby. My mum Helen was often into the shop and always valued your advice. Enjoy the celebrations and good wishes, very well deserved,” commented Clare Fallon on Facebook.

Another comment on Facebook was from Moira Sheppard who wrote: “Bobby I absolutely loved going in to meet you. Pure gentlemen and a joy to meet.”

Bobby’s kind nature was also highlighted by Miriam Deane on Facebook who wrote: “I always enjoyed going into Patterson's and never left empty handed. Bobby, you always had a smile and a warm welcome, best wishes for your retirement.”