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Vegreville Newspaper Carrier Joseph Zidar Retires Following Twenty-four Years of Dedicated Service
Vegreville Newspaper Carrier Joseph Zidar Retires Following Twenty-four Years of Dedicated Service
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
It didn’t matter what the weather, Joseph Zidar made sure residents and businesses on his routes got their paper in a timely manner. That was the most important thing to the former newspaper carrier who was employed with the Vegreville News Advertiser (VNA) for 24 years.
His last delivery day was on Oct. 30, 2024. Sitting down with Joseph and his sister Frances recently, it was clear that this wasn’t just a job, it was an important service he delivered week in and week out, without fail.
Joseph admits that it was hard at first not to be doing his paper routes, but smiled broadly when thinking about some of the great people he’s met over his many years with VNA.
“It’s funny how many people know Joseph,” remarked Frances. Joseph was also treated very well by people in the community who would take the time to have a short visit, offer him something to drink on a warm day, or invite him to sit for a few minutes on their front step or bench.
To Joseph, it was important to be punctual and to offer a good service. “He was consistent, reliable and on time,” said Frances. He is dearly missed, and over the past several months, has had a lot of people come up to him and ask him where’s he’s been or what he’s been up to as of late. “He was treated very well by people in the community,” added Frances.
Besides VNA, several other businesses employ residents like Joseph. “It’s nice other people with disabilities work so they are a normal part of society,” said Frances. Joseph always took take care and pride in his work, but at nearly 65 years of age, with a few health issues; it was time to put away the wagon that he hauled the newspapers around in for good.
“Everyone needs a job and a purpose,” said Frances. She expressed her gratitude to VNA owners Dan and Albina Beaudette, who, in turn told Joseph how much they appreciated his many years of service. They also presented Joseph with a gift certificate to a local restaurant where he and his mom Anne can share a nice meal together.
Frances said he often goes over to their mom’s house for lunch and can be seen walking around town doing errands for her. He knows many people by first name and continues doing janitorial work at Vantage Builders.
Paul Zipbrick, Operations Manager and Partner with Vantage Builders, said, “Joseph has been working at Vantage Builders for 25 years and is a very kind warm-hearted person that everyone at Vantage considers a great friend and we all love having him around here.”
Joseph was gifted a scooter by Vantage Builders in June of 2022. “We, at Vantage came across the scooter due to certain circumstances and thought due to all the miles he puts on his feet, would greatly appreciate having one. Joseph was skeptical at first, but he soon figured out the benefit of having it, while doing his papers and coming to Vantage on his workdays.
He is a wonderful person, and we are all honored and thankful to have Joseph as our friend, valued employee, and cherished part of our families. We are very thankful for him keeping our snacks, chocolates and donuts supply down so we don’t have to eat them.
We are very happy for his retirement.”
