On Thursday January 26th we officially said “see you later” (we don’t like saying goodbye!) to our own Barbara Wray. Barb closes out an outstanding career spanning 29 years of service to Zimkor. Barb’s story is all the more impressive when you consider she convinced Bill Zimmerman to take a chance on her as our new Controller back in 1994. Barb had worked 5-6 years as our Accounting Assistant but didn’t bring the qualifications Bill was looking for to fill the (soon to be vacated) position. Fortunately she prevailed and Bill took a chance on her! Barb grew into the position and brought excellence, dedication and the right touch day in and day out to the company. She likewise has fulfilled the role of “mother hen” in our halls attending to whatever matters needed attention. Whether it was an event to be planned, an insurance matter to be addressed or simply an ear to listen to whatever might have ailed you, you could always count on Barb. She also tolerated (!!!) 3 Presidents of the company, the least of which I count myself privileged to work along side her and call her colleague and friend. An original partner when we purchased Zimkor from Bill, she has seen and done it all (or dang close). Now her eyes are a little tired and time to let Randy wear his out on all matters Zimkor. Barb will stay in touch to ensure Randy’s succession continues well but will now spend a great deal of time with her squirrels (yes that is her passion!), traveling, keeping Mike in line (a full time project) and of course spending her time with family especially her wonderful daughter Stephanie. It was awesome to have Steph down for the celebration last week; we know it meant a great deal to Barb…Barb officially retired on January 31, 2017.
You will be missed by all of us Barb! Well done and THANK YOU for your decades of service to Zimkor!
