Goodbye is a dirty word

If you look up the word “emeritus,” be sure to read the definition to completion:

Adjective

Having retired but allowed to maintain their title as an honor; see old fart thought of kindly

The guy writing this editorial is, without question, a newly christened emeritus and an ancient crepitation. But he is a grateful guy, too.

On Friday night, May 20, colleagues and co-conspirators at The Press mustered up a masterful surprise party at the Coeur d’Alene Inn. Putting their heads together, they came up with a guest list that exceeded room capacity.

It was an evening that ye olde crankus emeritus will never, ever forget.

The party was a private affair so details will be omitted here. Suffice to say that much liquid was consumed, many words were exchanged in mutual friendship and respect, more liquid was consumed, and it seemed everyone had a satisfactory plunge into the farewell pool. Even the bartender was so caught up in the festivities that she refused to let the old scribe pay for a drink.

As has so often happened in this editorial space over the past 20 years, the writer wanders. Here is where he simply wanted to wind up:

Thank you to the entire staff at The Press who cooked up that remarkable going-away present and for two decades of camaraderie and competence so fulfilling it is painfully difficult to walk away.

Thank you to the many guests who came to say goodbye, launching the old writer and his beautiful wife to Florida on a jet stream of laughter and tears.

And finally, to the tens of thousands of Press readers, thank you each and every one for supporting this essential enterprise, this priceless little community newspaper. It’s been a great 20 years, and even better days are ahead.