Dean's Auto Repair Newsletter

On the evening of 11/17/2009, we celebrated the retirement of Don Brandenburg.  Don, age 68, has been working at Dean’s Auto Repair for just over 31 years.  Don was hired by Dean Hatfield in the summer of 1978.  When the business was turned over to Kirk & Nancy Hatfield, Dean’s son and daughter-in-law, Don stayed on.  Dean’s Auto Repair was sold to Grant & Tricia McMaster in 2004 and they were glad that Don chose to remain in their employ as well.

When asked about his time at Dean’s Auto Repair, Don said: “I have seen a lot of changes in my 31 years at Dean’s.   I remember that from 1950 through 1986, Dean’s Auto also sold gasoline.  They decided to retire the gas pumps when it became too costly to update the facilities that were first installed in 1950.  The auto repair industry as a whole has seen tremendous changes.  I remember that in 1963 when I started in the auto repair industry, cars had points and condensers in the ignition systems and a generator and voltage regulator charging system.  The older cars still had 6 volt electrical systems.  Nowadays, everything is all electronic and computer controlled. “

Don started at Dean’s as a technician.  He then shifted over to running the gas station portion of the facility.  When the tanks were removed, he went back to fixing cars.  When Kirk was in charge, Don took over as manager occasionally whenever Kirk was away from the shop.  After Grant bought Dean’s, Don was promoted to Quality Control Supervisor.  I can truly say that he is sorely missed already.

Don plans on enjoying his retirement by visiting their 3 grandchildren in Payson, Arizona and Portland, Oregon as often as possible.  He also wants to spend a lot more time fishing.

With this in mind, Grant & Tricia threw a retirement party for Don which included a few special surprises.  Nancy Hatfield got a cake decorated with a fisherman catching a fish.  Grant supplied Don with his retirement “Tool Belt”, complete with decision making button (always selects a nap!) and Honey Do List (shaped like a hammer) and other assorted novelties.  Tricia then awarded Donna (Don’s wife) with her very own box of “Retired Husband Training Treats” just in case Don got under foot or didn’t complete his Honey Dos.  Everyone had a great time with the gifts.

Nancy & Kirk Hatfield said some wonderful things about their association with Don during his time with them.  They presented Don with a hand carved bolo tie which belonged to Dean.  Don was thrilled to get it.
Tricia and Grant presented Don with a commemorative plaque consisting of a poem about retirement and a watch set in a wood frame (pictured above).

We dearly miss Don and wish him the best in his new endeavors.