A maintenance man, who has finally retired at the grand old age of 85, has been described as one in a million by his former colleagues.
Brian Jordan completed his last day of work on March 22, having been a popular face at The Limes Retirement Home in Mellis for 26 years.
Home owner Kathy Beckford said Mr Jordan, who also provided entertainment for the residents, would leave a huge gap to fill.
“Brian only just recently went down to four days a week – that is how dedicated he has been to The Limes,” she told the Diss Express.
“He was always cheerful and just got on with stuff. In many ways, he held everything together.
“Not only did he do maintenance jobs, he did bingo, card games, discos and took residents on minibus trips to the seaside – he even trained in caring so that he could help on night shifts.
“He will be a huge loss to The Limes. We understand his decision; after all, he is 85, but we will miss him very much.
“I cannot praise him enough. He is one in a million and has been amazing for us.”
Having previously worked on the docks for 39 years, including at Tilbury in Essex, Mr Jordan moved to Suffolk at the end of the 1990s, and went on to work as a school caretaker.
“I have had a pretty full work life, starting at 15 and now giving up at 85,” he said.
“My mind wanted to go on but it had reached the stage where my body said no. I have enough work to keep me busy at home and I will find some time to put my feet up and have a rest.”
Having worked at The Limes for 26 years, he said he could not have done it without the support of everyone at the retirement home.
“George and Kathy Beckford are two of the best people you will ever meet – they are really lovely,” added Mr Jordan.
“The team and the carers are the best in the world. If you have to go into a care home, The Limes is the place you want to be in – it is such a free and easy home. I loved it there and the job was really special.”
Mr Jordan, who has been married to his wife Jean for 64 years, has a son, David, a daughter, Janet, and a granddaughter, Mandy.
