“We’ve done a lot. It’s been good. Love y’all too.” Just some simple words spoken by Tim Heath, a dedicated Raleigh Water employee basking in a room full of some of his closest friends and coworkers who have turned into family, and of course, his wife, kids, and sweet granddaughter at his surprise retirement party. The celebrations wouldn’t be complete without teeny-tiny safety cones, bright neon caution tape splashed across the walls, and party signs reading, “Retired: don’t want to, don’t need to, can’t make me.” That perfectly captures the feeling in the room. Although there were warm embraces and pats on the back, the idea was always: Tim is retiring. He doesn’t want to leave, but he’s excited to embrace his next adventure with his family... and many adventures on a boat (an inside joke that many in the room kept teasing him about). Although captaining a boat sounds greatly rewarding, Tim is leaving the safety team with a big hole to fill, due to his unwavering dedication and love for Raleigh Water and the everyday safety of his coworkers.
Tim’s impact is undeniable, from the looks in the room to the laughter shared during the party. Here are just a few of the caring things mentioned during the event:
“You were the first person I met outside of my team. You looked at me and said, “Don’t get discouraged in your first year.” I appreciated that advice and your guidance over the past seven years, which has grown into a friendship I hold dear. He’s probably the sole reason my husband has a boat, and we couldn’t have gotten through that experience without you. I do appreciate all the love and friendship over the years and everything you help me build to keep everyone safe.” Haley Page
“I just want to thank you personally for the time that you’ve given me, the time you’ve given the City, and the time you’ve given Raleigh Water. I really appreciate it. Thank you.” Jason Tibbrine
“One thing that really stands out, and I think everyone can attest to, is that Tim truly does care. I’ve always admired his ability to teach and to reach people. It certainly had an impact on me and my career, and I can’t thank you enough for it.” Nolan Fry
“Right away, I understood Tim’s mindset of ‘we’re watching out for everyone else.’ I want to make sure they get the training, everything is done right, and that they go home, if not better than when they came to work.” John Kilduff
“When I came on board, you helped me navigate through difficult waters. You’re always bragging about your family, always talking about your two boys. That type of mentorship is something I really appreciate.” Sheldon Joseph
“I just remember asking a very simple question to Tim, and he took the time to explain everything I could possibly need to know and more. You’ll never know how much I appreciated that. I’m still learning every day, but I really appreciate the time you took to teach me and get to know me. Thank you.” Hannah McCloskey
“We’ve built something. Now we’re going to be able to do more, do better, and help others identify their training needs based on what you put up with me for and what we built together. I want to say I appreciate you being there for me, especially during those 10 hours I became an OSHA-authorized instructor, and you let me shadow you.” Kathleen Jordan
There was so much love and admiration for everything Tim has accomplished during his long career with Raleigh Water and these were just a few of the many words of praise. Although careers and jobs are only part of the life experience and something to be proud of, we are so grateful that Tim chose to stay and make his mark on Raleigh Water.
One last thank-you to sum up the celebrations:
“We’re obsessed with metrics in utilities. One of the metrics you won’t hear about is the people who didn’t get hurt, did go home, or left Raleigh Water with all their fingers. That’s something that the people in this room might not have turned out the same without, and I hope you don’t forget that. Thank you for always helping people get home. You are leaving a heck of a legacy.” Ed Buchan
Thank you, Tim and happy retirement! Enjoy your time on the boat.
