Have you heard the schoolboy wisecracks about what happens to those in different professions after they retire? These wisecracks go something like the following:

“What happens to old oarsmen? They cannot steer anymore. What happens to old swimmers? They sink into oblivion. What happens to old truck drivers? It is the end of the road for them. And old traffic cops? They lose their direction!”

And, in reply to the question, “What happens to old accountants?” the smart aleck schoolboy might be tempted to say, “They lose interest.” Nothing could have been farther from the truth in Louie’s case.

He worked as an accountant with a local company before his retirement some years ago, but continued to remain active in his community. A self-driven man, he knew he could make a difference. The age-old adage “retired, but not tired” seemed to fit him well.

A licensed pastor and an assistant pastor, Louie served as a Sunday school superintendent. He also served as a secretary of a businessperson’s organization.

Louie attended his local senior center almost everyday. He helped make the daily announcements and did his part to ensure the smooth operation of the center. When someone needed help, Louie was able and willing to do his part.

He served two full terms as a member of the Board of Directors of the Egyptian Area Agency on Aging. When he completed his second, and final term, he volunteered to serve on the agency’s advisory council until his health failed him. He was an invaluable resource, a steady rock of logic, and a friend to everyone that took the time to get to know him.

Louie didn’t want people, including me, to address him as “Mr.” He much preferred to be called “Louie” instead. He was informal that way. Still, I slipped and called him by his surname from time to time – I always do that when I have respect for the person – and he would remind me his name was Louie.

He might have been an accountant during his working years, but he never lost interest in life and the daily activities it provides. “Never slow down, and never give up” seems to have been his ever-abiding motto in his retirement years.

Retirement is but the beginning of a new chapter in life. It’s another lesson learned.

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