Sport
27 June, 2023
Ray drives off into sunset
A BOYHOOD dream of working in the automotive industry led to a career spanning more than five decades.
A BOYHOOD dream of working in the automotive industry led to a career spanning more than five decades.
Timboon Motor’s Ray Gillingham will officially retire on Friday after 54 years at the business.
He said he felt now was the right time to retire.
“It’s time, I’ve had enough,” Mr Gillingham said.
“Everything has changed and it’s getting more computer oriented and high tech.”
Timboon Motor’s has flourished over the decades he has been there.
Mr Gillingham said he started on December 29, 1969 after putting in for a job at the end of the school year.
“I put my name down to be a motor mechanic with Gordon Cook for the following year,” he said.
“He came to me at the end of the year to say he didn’t have a job for a mechanic but he needed someone in spare parts.
“I was happy to do anything in the industry.”
Mr Gillingham spent the next 12 years in the spare parts role before moving onto a job in sales.
“I enjoyed it,” he said.
“I enjoyed dealing with people; that’s something I'm probably going to miss.
“I always liked to see people get fixed up when they come in and try hard to make sure they get what they want.”
Mr Gillingham said there had been a number of changes at the business over his years.
“The new building was exciting; what we worked in originally was pretty poor,” he said.
“Losing Holden was a pretty major change as well.”
One constant throughout the 54 years was working for three generations of the Cook family.
Mr Gillinham said staff had been supportive over the years.
“I’d love to thank everyone for their support - the messages and calls I’ve had has been really good,” he said.
“It’s been a really good place to work in.
“I’ve worked under three generations of the Cook family – they have looked after me.”
Past and present clients were invited to a barbecue breakfast last week to mark the impending departure.
Mr Gillingham said he had no concrete plans for his retirement yet, but was looking forward to spending more time with his family.