Dannevirke news: Store boss calls it a day after 32 years

Neil Cowie (left), chief executive of Mitre 10 New Zealand, Bruce Nelson, owner of Waipukurau Mitre 10, Pat Walshe, retiring store manager Dannevirke, Ben Leduc, general manager of retail operations for Mitre 10 New Zealand and Scott Ryan, trade area manager for Mitre 10, celebrating the end of an era. Photo / Christine McKay

After 32 years with Dannevirke Mitre 10, 24 of those as manager, Pat Walshe has decided to retire and enjoy "just doing nothing".

But the Mitre 10 group were not about to let Pat go quietly, with more than 300 people turning up to say good luck last Friday night.

"Pat is important to us. He's a legend," Ben Leduc, the general manager of retail operations for Mitre 10 New Zealand, told the Dannevirke News.

"Pat is one of the most humble and respected guys in our group and it's truly impressive to see how many chose to attend Pat's farewell.

"He's a man who has left a huge impression on co-workers, customers and the community."

In 32 years, Pat has seen many staff come and go - some real characters.

"There have been great moments with wonderful memories," he said.

Elaine Finucane has worked with Pat since 1992 and has been assistant branch manager since 2004. She now takes on the role of interim branch manager.

"We're a diverse bunch of personalities and Pat has always had a strong sense of community which has helped us go from strength-to-strength," she said.

Neil Cowie, the chief executive of Mitre 10 New Zealand, has been in his role for a year, but said when he first met Pat he told him all he needed to know about Mitre 10 in 20 minutes.

"Not too many people can say they've been with the same organisation for 32 years. That's truly special," he said. "We're all very much aware of Pat's standing and mana within the Mitre 10 group and we've very much appreciated his contribution."

When the Dannevirke News asked Pat what he'd do in retirement, his answer was quick.

"Nothing and I'll be really good at it."

But last Friday night, as he described his retirement as "pulling down the tent and moving on," he acknowledged life hadn't been all beer and skittles. "Luckily I've an understanding wife in Sue because sometimes I get home and feel like kicking the cat and spraying the lawn with Roundup. But Sue has helped me get through," he said. "All my family have worked here at some stage or another and they always tell me they know how to do it the Mitre 10 way.

"The staff have made my job a lot easier and when you get staff working with you, rather than against you, it's great.

"Charlie [Bridgeman] gave me the opportunity to become manager and I've travelled the world with Mitre 10. It's been a lot of fun along the way."

Pat said winning the 2010 Mitre 10 trade store of the year title was the highlight of his career.

"It gave me a real buzz," he said.

"I'm also lucky to have so many loyal trade customers, some who have been with me all these years."

Graeme Perry began with Warmby and Williams and worked for Mitre 10 for 18 years, before leaving in 2004.

"We had some good times here," he said.

"Pat was always a family man and a great community man too."

Today is Pat's last day and he's going out with a splash. He'll be locked in stocks between 1pm and 2pm and for a gold coin donation to charity and people are welcome to throw wet sponges at him.