Mike Reynolds, 62, is retiring after 38 years working for the town of Windsor, most recently as its water and sewer plant operator.
In that role, he was responsible for operations and regulatory compliance for water treatment and distribution, according to an email from Town Manager Trevor Lashua.
“I’ve had a wonderful run with the town. I have a decent retirement. The time has come to where I can retire and do a little traveling,” Reynolds told the Valley News.
Reynolds said it will be strange going from working for 38 years “to one morning you’re going to wake up and realize you’ve retired.” “But I think it’d be a good problem to have,” he said.
Nicole Lukash, Reynolds’ daughter, said she’s proud of her father. “He’s just the go-to guy. He has so much knowledge that he’s acquired over the years,” she said.
According to Lukash, Reynolds graduated from Windsor High School in 1982 and worked at the Goodyear plant in Windsor until it closed in 1987. He then worked as a painter until joining the Windsor highway department. He later moved to the wastewater treatment plant and earned his commercial driver’s and wastewater operator licenses, she said.
Reynolds still plowed town roads even after moving to the wastewater treatment plant, he told the Valley News.
In addition to his full-time job with the town, Reynolds volunteers his time maintaining the cemetery for St. Francis of Assisi Church in Windsor, according to his daughter.
Lukash said she feels proud that her father is so embedded in the community and has “that reputation of a father that’s just so reliable and so highly regarded by a lot of people.”
Lukash recalled the overtime Reynolds worked for the town, but said he never failed to show up for his family. “His work ethic and his dedication to his town and his family is just remarkable,” she said.
Lashua said in an email that Reynolds’ tenure is “exceptional and increasingly rare in local government.”
“At this point, he’s seen nearly everything, knows nearly everyone, and can spin a good yarn or two about his experiences,” Lashua said.
He said he appreciated Reynolds’ willingness to help and answer questions about the town.
Lukash said she is excited to see her father relax and “finally slow down and just do what he wants to do.”
Reynolds said he looks forward to traveling to Finland and around Europe.
Reynolds’ last day working for the town will be Nov. 20.