Thank a Retiree For His or Her Service • Example Letters, Guides and Samples
Guides
A brief letter thanking a retiree for his or her service is a polite way of giving credit where credit is due. Your letter is an expression of gratitude for years of service and commitment.
How to write this appreciation letter:
- State your appreciation immediately.
- Compliment the reader on the quality of his or her service.
- Express a final word of appreciation.
Example Letter #1
Your leaving marks the end of an era here at Doe's. I know we will all come to appreciate you even more when we try to fill the void that you will leave. In your 23 years here you have been a mentor to all of us. You have taken this department to the leading edge of the industry, which is the kind of record any company should envy. Even more important though are the friendships you have developed over that time. We will all miss you very much.
Example Letter #2
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to thank you for your peerless performance during these past 20 years, as we congratulate you on your retirement. The years you have worked here have been marked by unsurpassed efficiency and excellence. You have been an inspiration to us all. We hope you will honor us by attending a banquet Saturday evening in appreciation of your career with Doe Industries.
Example Letter #3
On the occasion of your retirement, we all want to thank you for your many years of great leadership. Everyone agrees that you possess a rare combination of vision, fairness, and understanding--crucial qualities for an effective manager. Many of us have additional personal reasons for our gratitude, for you have given special attention to our specific needs. Without going into detail, we give you special thanks for your caring. We thank you for all you have done and all you have taught us and send our very best wishes for a happy retirement.
Example Letter #4
You certainly will be missed after next Monday. During the thirty years that you have worked at Doe, we have often taken for granted your fine management of everyday office routines. In retrospect, we realize that you have made our work easier because you anticipated our needs. Congratulations on a job well done and a retirement well deserved.
Write Your Letter Step-by-Step
1 State your appreciation immediately.
Sample Sentences for Step 1
- Our office will miss your cheery disposition.
- We at Doe Corporation extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for years of exemplary service.
- Although I am sure that our customers will miss you, no one will feel your absence more than I.
- After twenty years of excellence on the job, you will be a difficult person to replace.
- It's hard to believe that our fifteen years of working together are now coming to a close.
- Doe Corporation just isn't going to be the same, John, without your leadership and example.
Sample Phrases for Step 1
- after years of faithful service
- appreciate your dedication to
- will all miss you
- express my sincere appreciation
- extend our heartfelt thanks to you
- for your diligence in
- for your years of exemplary service
- have always appreciated
- isn't going to be the same
- it's hard to believe that
- no one will feel your absence more than I
- just won't be the same without you
- on behalf of
- thanks for all you have done
- have led the way in
- want to let you know that
- want you to know that
- what a joy it has been
- will miss your cheerful greeting
- your leadership and ingenuity
- would like to thank you for
- our years of working together
- the ending of an era
- your many years of
2 Compliment the reader on the quality of his or her service.
Sample Sentences for Step 2
- You are largely responsible for giving our office its reputation for friendly customer service.
- Without your remarkable leadership, Doe Corporation would not be the strong organization that it is today.
- Your organizational skills have held our office together. We are grateful for the tradition of teamwork and unity that you are leaving.
- Who can we find to fill the shoes of the perfect administrator?
- It seems like just yesterday that we were putting our heads together to create the Doe account.
- You have been a great example and mentor to me and to many others who joined the staff after you became the supervisor.
Sample Phrases for Step 2
- a job well done
- because of employees like you
- couldn't have asked for a more diligent
- devotion such as yours
- difficult to replace you
- for your outstanding contributions to
- for all you have done
- grateful for the legacy of
- has been a pleasure to
- have held our office together
- have become legendary
- have appreciated your expertise
- have done a wonderful job
- helped to build our reputation for
- made all the difference to
- seems like just yesterday that
- set new standards of excellence
- such a valuable member of
- thank you for
- the countless hours you have put in
- thoughtful attention to detail
- to have worked with you
- will surely miss your
- without your remarkable
- your many kindnesses
- your tireless efforts
- your genuine concern
3 Express a final word of appreciation.
Sample Sentences for Step 3
- Please drop in and say hello whenever you can. We wish you the very best in the future.
- Again, we thank you for your long and distinguished service.
- Please accept our gratitude for your devoted service.
- Our best wishes go with you in your retirement.
- All those who have worked with you throughout your fruitful career will feel your absence.
- We will always think of you as one of the family here at Doe Corporation.
Sample Phrases for Step 3
- am so pleased for you
- as a result of your efforts
- because of employees like you
- best wishes for
- devotion such as yours
- drop in to say hello
- during your retirement
- for a job well done
- for your devoted service
- have been greatly appreciated
- have always appreciated
- have been a credit to
- heartfelt thanks for
- in the future
- many thanks for
- on behalf of
- people like you
- please accept our gratitude
- through all your years of service
- throughout your fruitful career
- want you to know
- will never forget
- will miss you
- will always be a pleasure to
- will always think of you as
- wish you all the best
- your long and distinguished career
