In 1951, I was hired on as orderly at the Staples Municipal Hospital. Drs. Cook, Lund, Murphy and Richeldorfer made up the medical staff. Administrator Ms. Fern Gillespie, hired me and Rich Barrett trained me to do the work of a hospital orderly.

There was a need for a trained Nurse Anesthetist, so I went to St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing and to St. Mary's School of Nurse Anesthesiology, both in Duluth. Working at other hospitals until 1981, when I returned to Staples and was hired by Mr. Rice as Nurse Anesthetist; and since 1998, as Staff Nurse in Cardiac Rehabilitation. I had the privilege of working with Drs. Lelwica, Mennis, Hendrickson, Weber and many others as well.

Also, I was pastor at churches in Motley, Pillager and Graston, during this time. I relate this so you will understand where I'm coming from when I say I have seen medical care change dramatically in fifty-eight years. And the reason is to say I am so very thankful for the wonderful people—it was a joy to work with through those years. Thank you for the retirement gift (coffee travel mug) and the cake and ice cream, especially the card with notes.

One noted they were a better person for having worked with me—That makes it all worth while. Thanks also to all the surgical and cardiac patients that I've had the joy of participating in your medical care. The people at Lakewood Health System are the greatest, I should know. Now it's time to go fishing.
Les Crider, RN, CRNA ret.
Motley, Minn.