A much-loved Blairgowrie care home worker has bid farewell to colleagues and residents after 17 years in post.
Domestic assistant Bienvenido ‘Ben’ Flordeliza retired from BCG Stormont Lodge care home in the town to return to his native Philippines
The 66-year-old had never missed a shift during his time there and worked throughout the pandemic.
Reflecting on his time at the home, Ben said: “I’ll really miss the residents and my team. I have a lot of love for them.”
And his colleagues will miss Ben as much as he will miss them.
Stormont Lodge depute head manager Dawn Forbes said: “Ben has been part of Stormont Lodge for 17 years and to say he’ll be missed by everyone here is an understatement.
“He has been so friendly and helpful to the residents and staff throughout his time here – nothing is every any trouble.
“He also has the best smile you have ever seen and always brings a bit of cheer into the room.
“Here, we call him ‘Boss Man.’
“He’ll be sorely missed by all of us, but we are delighted that he’s getting to rediscover his roots in the Philippines and spend more time with his family out there as he retires.
“On behalf of all the residents and staff at Stormont Lodge, we’d like to wish Ben the very happiest of retirements.
“We’ll miss you, Ben!”
At the end of last week, Ben was joined by his colleagues and family for a fond farewell as he and his wife, Gilda, prepare to move back to the Philippines.
In a celebratory, if bittersweet, presentation at the home, he had a special cake, gifts from his colleagues, plus flowers, vouchers and a sincere thank you letter from BCG’s Managing Director and Chairman for his years of service, all with many wishes for a happy retirement.
Ben’s daughter-in-law, Melicynth Flordeliza, also a team member at Stormont Lodge said:
“Throughout his working life, Ben has been a very dedicated and hardworking man.
“We share a family home here in Blairgowrie so can say he’s very strict when it comes to cleanliness!
“He’s looking forward to spending more time with his family and friends in the Philippines.
“He’s also a huge basketball fan so I’m sure he’ll be watching more of that!”