A Well-Deserved "HappyHappy" Retirement for Charles

If you've spent much time at West Linn's Safeway, you surely know Charles. Hopefully, you've had the pleasure of going through his line and hearing all his upbeat lines and well wishes. Now, after more than 24 years at the store, he's retiring for health reasons.

He could really use our help as he transitions to this new stage in his life. His insurance doesn't cover all his bills and he knows he will need a scooter soon. I asked him to share a little message...

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From Charles:

I am a lot of things to most of my shoppers. I been with this store before it opened. I began working in the building May the 8th. The store opened in June that same year 2000.

I have interests aside from work. My two cats keep me company. I enjoy gardening in pots on my sidewalk. I love lemon cucumbers and generally grow 10 kinds of tomatoes. I am a flower person. Whatever is showy and big is what I plant.

Back in the early days of the store I used to go over to 24 hour fitness when the store closed at 1 and workout until the first day person came in around 5. Many years back I boxed and trained a few guys here and there. That was back in the day so to say.

I want to thank the many followers I have and friends I have made at the store. As of the end of this year it will be 24 years seven months and a few days.

When I was a cashier for about a year, I realized it was what I was put on earth to do. I got fast at it and have really enjoyed the 90 seconds at a time I spend with each of you every shopping trip. The banter is great with many of the guys and the ladies, well, you are the best. The ladies over 40 I consider to be my friends number in the hundreds.

I hope my tag line HappyHappy , HappyHappy stays with you every time you need a boost. When somebody says (what's up doc) recall how much fun I have had making folks smile over the years with that simple funny tag line. Being sad is easy, being joyful a little tougher. I think I did it with style, and if it was not style what was it?

I do not want to leave you, but it is time. I will show at work time to time and work but not as a checker.

Most of you know I am going to retire due to medical issues. My lungs are shot and working around other folks who are ill does not help things at all. I am shocked and pleased that the wonderful folks of West Linn want to help me this way.

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I hope our community can come together and show our appreciation. It's rare to encounter people like Charles who simply want to make others "HappyHappy!"