A life of service can always be measured by how many friendships a person makes and one city employee appears to have a limitless amount.
The City of California wished city building maintenance and groundskeeper Norm Weatherman a fond farewell last Thursday. After working 17 years in his position, he announced he is finally entering into retirement.
To celebrate this occasion, his fellow employees threw a retirement party in his honor. While there, Weatherman's friends, family and co-workers filled the city hall's public meeting room as they greeted him with cake, drinks and a warm welcome.
Those in attendance included members of the California Police Department, current and former members of the Board of Aldermen, city supervisors, city workers, city clerk Jessica Farmer, city attorney Ann Perry, California Fire Chief Brad Friedmeyer, Mayor Rich Green, former Mayor Norris Gerhart and even Missouri state Rep. Willard Haley, R-Eldon.
According to co-workers, Weatherman goes above and beyond when it comes to accomplishing his work and helping others.
Gerhart offered the city hall maintenance position to Weatherman, who previously owned and operated a full-service gas station in California, after he had to close his business. Weatherman put in countless hours keeping the building spotless, and making sure every city employee had their needs met.
The California Area Chamber of Commerce presented him its 2021 Volunteer of the Year award during its annual dinner meeting in January.
Green recognized him with an award "... for 17 years of outstanding and dedicated service for the City of California."
Although Weatherman is retiring, he will return part-time to continue some of his custodial work.
"Thank you all very much. It's been a great pleasure and, like I say, I'm still planning on staying around and still doing my job," Weatherman explained. "You know, they say when you do what you love to do, you never work a day in your life. You've got a great group of people that I work with and I love every one of them. Anybody here that I asked for help, they are right there. I couldn't have been treated any better anywhere else. It's just a dream come true."
Weatherman became emotional, and paused for a moment before continuing. Co-workers and his daughter encouraged Weatherman to continue. He added that everyone he had worked with meant a lot to him. He said it felt great to have a "family" at City Hall.
Haley presented Weatherman a resolution from the Legislature.
Haley said awards like these do not come lightly, so it has to be a special event and a special condition. He read from the resolution, "...members of the Missouri House of Representatives currently pause to recognize an outstanding Missouri citizen who has distinguished himself through many years of excellent service in the workplace. And whereas, Norman Weatherman, an esteemed resident of California, Missouri, is retiring from the city of California on July 1, 2022, after 17 years of exceptional service and dedication. And whereas Norman Weathermen has successfully completed the many duties and tasks placed before him throughout his impressive tenure as a city building maintenance and groundskeeper, keeping City Hall looking like a diamond every day."
Gerhart, as well, thanked Weatherman for his years of service. He said the two shared a heart-to-heart conversation, which eventually led Weatherman to his position at City Hall.
"This is one man right here in the city of California, all the people, all his friends, all the family, everybody - if you've seen Norm Weatherman," Gerhart said, "you'll know there has never been a cross minute. He is the most giving man, the most thoughtful man and we are so lucky to have his service."
Democrat photo/Kaden Quinn photo: Norm Weatherman's retirement party is filled with guests ranging from friends, family and co-workers. Attendees line up for cake and drinks.