02/01/2022
Well, We all knew it would happen someday…
Someday is March 1st...
After 39 years, I'm retiring! The decision wasn't an easy one, but, who wants to retire on a nice round number of 40??
Most of who I am is because of Rock Island Golf Course. I began as a naive junior in high school, working out of the little house that was once the clubhouse. Many people took me under their wing and I learned about golf and the world.
I eventually met my husband, John, here when he was hired as superintendent. I did good, as we celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary this past September.
We moved away for a few years so John could take a job at Walla Walla Country Club.
We returned to the Wenatchee Valley with our son, Marcus, in tow, and I returned to work at "The Rock"
The Barths bought the course in 1988 and I've worked for them ever since. When Marcus was little, they let me bring him to work with me. He literally grew up on the course with many, many members taking him on cart rides and what-not until he was old enough to go get their carts for them (I guess he was our first cart-boy). I truly thank them for that.. Eventually, Marcus worked here too. So all 3 in my little family has worked here!
I was at work while so many things have happened...from Mt St Helens blowing, and having to clear the course as the ash started falling to watching the events of 9/11 on a small "rabbit eared" TV
I've seen the course go from a nine hole gem to a beautiful 18 hole course. I've seen lean years and good years. And lived and worked long enough to see the parking lot paved!!!😉
I've had many hats… from GM, to IT, to HR, to pro-shop, to kitchen, to tournament director, to golfer services, to shopper, and banker… heck, I've even mowed and helped with aerification!
I've worked with many good people, but Cheryl has been with me for alot of it. Part time at first, but more after her kids got older. She is an awesome person, and an even better friend.
Jon, our Supt. has also been great to work with. It has always been nice to bounce ideas back and forth.
Don has been a great boss and I appreciate the opportunities I've had.
It's going to be so hard to leave my 2nd home. So many friends and so many memories. Everybody has a story, and I've enjoyed listening and learning about all of you. I mean, one of you was actually born and lived in a cave! Stories of wars(some too sad and evil), stories of travels, jobs, children, and grandchildren(which is my new favorite subject after becoming an "Umma" almost 5 years ago).
I've seen generations of people. Dads and moms with their kids, those kids on golf teams, and then those kids having kids of their own who are now on the golf team too!
I've seen many of you fight thru some serious illnesses and watched your victory! We all celebrate that!
Unfortunately, I've had alot of friends pass. I was 17 when I started here, so those "old" people have since passed(p.s. I just turned 60 so I'm officially one of those people I used to think were old🤣). Some from age, some from illness, some too young and ALL too soon.
Every one of your friendships I will cherish forever. I will never forget you.
I hope you've enjoyed my weird sense of humor at times, my corny jokes, and my company. I've enjoyed all of you and will miss you. Heck! Maybe I'll even take up golf!😳
I will still pop down to see everybody, so don't think you are free from me forever!
Thank you everybody...for everything! Hopefully, this snow melts and we get open so I can thank you and say goodbye in person!
God Bless all of you
Pam
