Ian Stewart, Retirement Tribute
A Legacy of Service
Today we honour an extraordinary chapter of service. Ian is retiring from Grocane after 21 years of dedicated employment – but his association with Grocane stretches far deeper, in fact Ian’s association with our Co-op spans an incredible 54 years. First as a member in 1971, then as an assessor from 1992 before formally joining as the Field Manager in 2004.
The true value of those years is found in the loyalty, commitment and integrity with which you have served the Co-Op. Ian you have been a steadfast and trusted asset to Grocane. For the Board and especially the Chairmen, past and present, you have been a great source of comfort over the last 21 years. Your deep institutional knowledge has guided us through decisions and challenges but it is your relationships and insight and more especially understanding of our Members that have facilitated the smooth running of our Co-Op and it is what the Board have relied so heavily on.
I don’t think there is anyone in the Sugar Industry that is better connected or with a richer understanding of the characters and communities that make our industry what it is.
A defining feature of your tenure is your unwavering commitment to always putting the interests of the members first. That principle has shaped your leadership, your decisions, and the legacy you leave behind.
As you step into retirement Ian we wish you the joy, rest and freedom that you have certainly earned. And Barbara we have deep empathy for you as you prepare to have Ian at home full time. There may be moments of adjustment ahead but the good news is that you are not totally lost to the organisation and we look forward to your input as an independent assessor.
Ian it has been a great privilege and honour for me personally to have served on the Board during your time at the helm. Your contribution to Grocane has been immeasurable and your impact will last well into the future.
Thank you for everything and enjoy your retirement.
To the directors of Grocane
We wish to thank you for the wise choice of Ian Stewart in his role at Grocane liaison and administrator for the last 22 years.
He has known exactly how to manage growers who can be notoriously difficult and has handled us all with easy, good humour, firmness when necessary and great savvy, especially in difficult situations that often arise with insurance matters.
We will miss him and wish him well on behalf of all growers and know he will not sit around idly in retirement.
Please will you pass on our grateful thanks to him.
Kind regards
Jono Chennells
