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Here's to a loyal man

| May 5, 2010 9:00 PM

Back when young buck Rick Barton was cutting his teeth in the banking business, transfers were made by stagecoach and everyone was on the lookout for the James Gang.

OK, so maybe he doesn't go back quite that far, but the US Bank executive culminated 44 years with the same company last Friday when he locked his office door for the last time.

That's right: Even though the bank changed names like some folks switch hats, Rick Barton was always there, working his way up, being transferred, learning all the time, sharing what he learned.

Three things make this man's life's work distinguished.

One, the loyalty. For those who know him, it's easy to speculate that any sensible employer valued what she or he saw in Rick Barton. And loyalty most definitely is a two-way street. But think about it for a moment. How many people do you know who spent 44 years in the same career, let alone with the same company? Darned right it's few. And it's a testament to Rick and to his employers that union protections and adversarial relationships and threats and demands aren't necessary components of the workaday world. Respect for mutual excellence is.

Two, the dedication. This time we're not talking about Rick and his employers. We're talking about Rick and his employees. Sometimes, carcasses litter the lower rungs of the ladders of professional advancement. Not Rick Barton's. Now, Rick Murray might not remember exactly how many years he's worked for Barton - 12? 14? - but he most certainly knows men like that are rare treasures. And Murray is one of many who likely would have followed Barton just about anyplace he'd go.

And three, the devotion. Somehow, Barton was able to maintain a stable home, an efficient workplace and still manage to make an enormous impact on his communities through public service. Lucky for all of us, the end of his professional career does not mark the completion of his civic involvement. Rick promised his wife that he would spend the summer without making further commitments, but he'll remain involved on the boards and other community activities in which he's already immersed.

While Friday produced a steady stream of well-wishing community leaders, business partners, customers and just good ol' friends, it was all because Rick's co-workers refused to honor his final work wish: no fanfare. Well, we say phooey to that, too. You're a good man, Mr. Barton, and your professionalism is an inspiration to us all.