Krista Corner Havre Daily News kcorner@havredailynews.com
After nearly 40 years of service to the American public, a local man said today he will trade his postal service uniform in for golf clubs and retirement. Dave Hamilton, 70, is working his last day today for the U.S. Postal Service in Havre after 36 years of serving the Hi-Line, and two years prior serving his country in the armed services. Co-workers are holding an open house from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday to celebrate his retirement. When asked what he plans to do with his life now, Hamilton said, “Whatever I want. “I’ve got a tee time on Wednesday,” he added with a laugh. “Chances are I will probably play a lot of golf, travel, visit lots of friends and visit relatives.” Hamilton said his wife of 48 years, Diane, is not so sure about his retirement, though. “She doesn’t want me to retire,” he said, adding that he and his wife a domestic goddess according to Hamilton both worry about rising gas prices and food costs with the drop in his monthly income. “I may have to get another job,” he added with a shrug. Co-workers and Hamilton’s boss, Post Master Larry Markuson, said they are sorry to see him go. Retail Associate Marjee Beach told the Havre Daily News that Hamilton is best known at work for his infectious laugh. “I’m going to miss him,” she said. “I don’t know who is going to answer all of my questions, but I am delighted that he is going to retire and go have a life. He is a very hard worker and he hardly ever missed a day of work.” Markuson said it will take years for the postal service to groom another employee like Hamilton. “I’ve received a lot of positive customer comments about him being on the window,” he added. “When you have someone that worked for us for that many years, with his background and experience, we’re going to miss him a lot. He has been an asset to us.” The public is encouraged to stop by the post office Tuesday to say farewell.
