When you live in a small town like Dawson City, Yukon, you eventually get to know most of the people living there.
And if you work at a post office in a small town, you’ll probably get to know everyone.
Elaine Grandy has lived in Dawson City for 47 years, 26 of them spent working at the town’s post office. Next week, Grandy will retire from Canada Post.
On Wednesday, a surprise retirement party was held at the post office for Grandy. When she returned from her lunch break that day, she was met by a large group of people who wanted to share their appreciation and love for her.
Dawson City Mayor Stephen Johnson kicked off the speeches to Grandy by proclaiming Dec. 23, 2024 — her last day on the job — “Elaine Grandy Day.”
“Whereas Elaine is a long time resident of Dawson City of some 47 years, and who attended and graduated from Robert Service High School, and whereas Elaine has worked for Canada Post since 1999, and whereas Elaine is a proud member of the Yukon Order of Pioneer Women, and whereas Elaine has a big heart and is a wonderful member of our community,” Johnson said in reading the proclamation.
Dawson City, Yukon, Mayor Stephen Johnson this week proclaimed Dec. 23, 2024, as ‘Elaine Grandy Day,’ in honour of a long-time postal worker in the town. Grandy retires from Canada Post on Dec. 23. (Chris MacIntyre/CBC)
Ann Lamarche is Grandy’s co-worker and long-time friend. She organized the surprise party. Lamarche said Grandy has always been a kind person, and someone that everyone always enjoys being around.
“We wanted to do something for Elaine,” said Lamarche. “I’ve been here for over 10 years. She’s a really wonderful person. It’s been wonderful having her here and I’m definitely going to miss her.”
Lamarche said the knowledge Grandy brought to the job every day will be hard to match.
“She knows who’s connected to who, and who’s related to someone else,” Lamarche explained. “Even if I’m stuck with something work-wise, she would just say, ‘oh, you know, that’s so-and-so’s granddaughter,’ or something. It’s just a real delight to have her around.”
On Wednesday, a surprise retirement party was held at the post office for Grandy. (Chris MacIntyre/CBC )
Another co-worker, Kyle Reyes, called Grandy a great colleague, and also a friend and mentor.
Reyes said he and Grandy haven’t worked together for very long, but she had a big impact on how he approaches his job.
“From now on, I’ll just follow what she taught me and do everything that she does as much as I can,” he said.
Grandy’s co-worker Kyle Reyes wears a shirt with her face on a stamp. Reyes said he’s only worked with Grandy for a short time but he considers her a mentor and a friend. (Chris MacIntyre/CBC)
A love for the community
Grandy said she was at a loss for words when she returned from her lunch break that day, thinking she was joining the post office’s first open house — but realizing it was a party for her.
When asked what she plans to do after she retires, she said she wasn’t quite sure but one idea came to mind.
“[I’m going to] sit across the street and say, ‘I’m glad I’m not over there!'” she said jokingly. “No, I’m just kidding.
“I’m going to miss working here. I’m going to miss the people, especially the little people. I love the little people. I just love everybody that’s in this room right now and the whole town, for that matter.”
