For the past 30 years, Bo Ainsworth has served the town of Cordell and its residents through meter readings and taking care of Cordell’s parks. Ainsworth’s last official day of work was September 30 before beginning his retirement.
“It’s been good. I’ve met a lot of really nice people and had a lot of great co-workers. The weirdest thing I thought when I first started working there was wow look at all those old people and now look at me, I’m that old person! It’s just kinda crazy,” gushed Ainsworth.
Ainsworth began his journey of selfless service for our community in August of 1992. Although he’s worked in a few different departments for the City, his main department has been the meter reading and parks.
“This last year was our 40th Anniversary and it was the first time he had ever taken off four days in a row. We just couldn’t remember him taking off more than a day or two at a time,” mentioned Michelle Ainsworth, wife of Bo Ainsworth. She went on to say, “He was very devoted and loyal. I always called him Mr. Cordell.”
Ainsworth was very meticulous about his work. He took a lot of pride in the way the parks looked and how they would look to someone driving into town. Summer would bring the latest workdays for Ainsworth. Although the hours were long, he never clocked over time.
“It makes me feel very proud of him. That’s what I told him the other day, ‘you’re a very loyal, dedicated and committed man to your job’ and that’s how he is in our marriage as well. They go hand in hand.
I’m very proud of the person that he is, the character that he has and the compassion he has for other people. I know that in my heart I feel like the way he conducts himself in work and at home has made such a great example for our son,” expressed Michelle.
One proud achievement in particular for Ainsworth is his part in the construction of the Pocket Park or Centennial Park on the Square. There at the park hangs a plaque that reads, ‘Dedicated April 1, 1997 in partnership with the City of Cordell, her citizens and friends’. Listed under Project Associates printed in metal that will stand the test of time is Bo Ainsworth.
What is a memory you have from within the last 30 years with the City of Cordell?
Bo: “In 2001 or 2002 we laid off a lot of people. Slug Bartell had worked for the City for 40-something years and he was one of those people that got laid off. I actually cried when that happened. He was able to retire and had worked there since he was 18.”
Michelle: “I remember years ago, this is how dedicated he was, we lived on the south side of town not far from the sewer lagoon. Back then you had an answering machine, and we’d come back to messages about how the sewer stinks. One weekend Bo took out the little boat they used to do things on the sewer and we had to put bandannas around our noses because it stunk so bad. We got in that little boat and I steered the motor to move us around the lagoon and he sprinkled the stuff around to help with smell. He told me not to get into a certain area, that it would suck us in. Sure enough, I got us in there and he had to grab a nasty sewer rope to pull us out.”
Ainsworth’s dedication and service to our community hasn’t gone unnoticed and is deserving of recognition and appreciation.
Thank you, Bo, for the last 30 years and best wishes for a relaxing and carefree retirement.