A few eyebrows might have gone up when Linda Duncan applied to work in the maintenance department at Fairview Manor. After all, it was about 40 years ago.
“At the beginning, it was sometimes a challenge when I went to do a repair,” laughs Linda. “But when they realized I knew what I was doing, they started to ask for me for the next job.”
Linda joined the Fairview Manor team at the age of 16, the day after she finished high school. When Fairview Manor opened its doors in June 1977, there were three residents living there. Linda says she remembers all of them well.
Linda worked in housekeeping for a short-time and moved to maintenance where she has been ever since. Currently, Linda is the Lead Hand, Engineering and Maintenance, responsible for the entire 11-acre campus.
Throughout her 44-year career, Linda says she has always loved to go to work and to learn. She has taken many night school and college courses to hone her skills in everything from the maintenance building mechanic course to leadership skills. “When I was offered a course, I took it,” she says. “You never stop learning in this role.”
Linda’s hands-on attitude started early in life. She was born and raised in Middleville, the oldest of six children. “It’s a way of life on the farm. You learn a little bit about everything, and I’ve always enjoyed the hands-on part of it.”
When asked about her four decades of work, Linda says what she will remember most is the support. “We’ve been like a big family and I’m going to miss them – the staff, volunteers, tenants, and of course, patients, residents and their families.”
Linda also praises the vendors, contractors, and local businesses she has worked with. “They are exceptional and the support we have received has been amazing. If you called them in the middle of the night, they were there for us.”
Linda says she will also remember the final few months of work: “Our team has worked really hard over the last year and a half to keep everybody safe from COVID. Things had to happen in a hurry including setting up the COVID Testing and Assessment Centre and then the Vaccine Clinic. We worked as a team to ‘git er don’.”
“We are happy for Linda, but her retirement will leave big shoes to fill, and she will be missed,” notes Randy Shaw, Integrated Vice President, Corporate Support Services and Capital Projects. “Linda has provided outstanding service to the organization for over 44 years. Her commitment to excellence and quality care for our residents and patients is second to none.”
It sounds like Linda won’t be slowing down very much in retirement. She has plans to spend more time with family, friends and her four grandchildren. She also has a 50-acre farm to take care of and a snowplowing business to run. “It’s hard for me to stop moving,” she says. “I’m so lucky to be able to do this at this point in my life. I’m not looking at this as a goodbye – more of a ‘see you down the road’.”
Best wishes Linda!
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