An extraordinary special occasion occurred at CANEX Gagetown on 18 Nov 08. Very few organizations have the privilege of working with employees for 25, 30, or even in the rarest occasion, 40 years.  I would like to introduce to you George Gillet, the CANEX Vending and Warehouse Manager, who has completed 50 years of service to the Gagetown community. As CANEX celebrates its 40th birthday this year, the obvious question is “How can George have worked 50 years, if CANEX has only been in existence 40 years?” Those a little longer in the tooth will know that the Army had a resale organization called “Maple Leaf Services” that provided similar services to CANEX prior to 1968, when CANEX stood up as the single authorized retailer for the Canadian Forces.

George began his 5 decades and 18,250 days of service in 1958. There are very few folks in Gagetown, past or present, who do not know of George. He simply keeps doing his job in a down-to-earth manner while demonstrating his integrity, kindness and ability to make you smile. He has seen more change than even he cares to admit, however, when asked what he would have changed, he simply relied “You could have paid me more!”. Did I mention his sense of humor? The good-natured, not always politically correct, banter with his peers is ongoing or more apt; relentless. This relaxing spirit of good fun while completing his responsibilities is refreshing to witness, particularly in the somewhat oversensitive times we live in. George has not changed and will not. For that we are grateful but more so for the incredible achievement of 50 years service and contributions made over the span of his career.

How do you acknowledge an individual who has completed such a feat? According to George you just say thanks. On behalf of the entire CANEX organization and all of those past, present and future residents of Gagetown ~ Thanks George!!!