At top, Parish Council Chairman Paul Naquin, Parish President David Hanagriff, McCurtis and his wife Rose, at the gathering held for his retirement. At bottom, parish Chief Administrative Officer Henry "Bo" LaGrange gives McCurtis a box of Honey Buns, his favorite snacks.
Robert 'Bob' McCurtis retires from courthouse at 91
A familiar face around the St. Mary Parish Courthouse will be absent now.
Robert “Bob” McCurtis has retired from the job he’s held for 38 years, at the age of 91.
“It’s kind of a bittersweet day for us here at the courthouse,” St. Mary Parish Chief Administrative Office Henry “Bo” LaGrange said Friday during a gathering in McCurtis’ honor, his last day of work. “Bob’s been here in the maintenance department for 38 years. That’s a heck of a milestone.”
He was nominated for the Council on Aging’s Legacy of Achievement Award for older workers in 2006, and was that year’s recipient. LaGrange read excerpts from letters written by McCurtis’ co-workers and supervisors.
“Mr. Bob has been a very loyal and trustworthy employee in St. Mary Parish Government for many years,” LaGrange wrote during that time. “His presence on the job sets a positive example to his co-workers and the people he comes in contact with here at the courthouse.”
Former supervisor Kenneth Bowser wrote that McCurtis was employed by the parish in 1979, and he was also a school system bus driver, which he did for nine more years. “He is trustworthy and reliable, a very hard worker who is not above helping out, going above and beyond his job description,” Bowser wrote. “He is an inspiration…and is loved by all at the courthouse.”
There were many more such accolades back in 2006.
Among the many who spoke about McCurtis, Parish President David Hanagriff said “for an individual about to be 91 and to continue working until now says a lot about yourself and your character.”
Former Parish President and current parish council member Paul Naquin said “every time I came in the courthouse I always got a handshake and a hug.”
Former maintenance supervisor Dennis Rivette said, “I sure miss your coffee. You sure make good coffee,” a sentiment shared by many in attendance Friday. “I hope you enjoy retirement as much as I am!”
Joyce Daniel, a parish government employee, said McCurtis always cheered her up when she was down. She said “he is an individual that will be hard to match.”
McCurtis was given a box of Honey Buns, his favorite snack, and card of appreciation and well-wishes.