WESTON, W.Va. – Long-time Mon Health Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital employee Robert Thomas was honored with a retirement reception on Thursday, February 27. Thomas began his tenure at Stonewall Jackson Memorial in July 1959.
Thomas was surprised by several announcements made at the celebration. SJMH CEO, Avah Stalnaker, declared the hospital Laboratory would be renamed the Robert R. Thomas Laboratory. Stalnaker also announced that Mon Health President and CEO, David Goldberg, and his wife donated a scholarship in Thomas’ name for SJMH Laboratory employees.
Stalnaker noted, “Any retirement is special, but a retirement from the same organization for 60 years of service is extraordinary. I don’t think this milestone will be reached by any other employee.”
Thomas’ five children and families surprised Bob and wife Jackie with their attendance. Other former and current SJMH employees were also present to honor Thomas, who was the first employee and department head of the SJMH Laboratory.
During the reception SJMH Laboratory Director, Angela Cedeno, provided a decade-by-decade timeline of the changes in the Laboratory during Thomas’ tenure.
In her final tribute Cedeno explained, “Most important – Bob was always there for all of us. He was a confidant, leader, stern “dad” or just someone to joke with. He means more than he will ever know, and he is loved.”
Former SJMH Administrator, David Shaffer, shared stories and former SJMH Pharmacist, Gerald Wood, spoke of working with Bob at the original City Hospital in Weston before SJMH was built in 1972.
Bob explained at the old Hospital he even filled in as a radiology technician when necessary. Unfortunately, not always with expertise.
“A dentist brought in X-rays for me to develop and there were three bottles for me to use – a developer, a fixer, and a wash, I think. I didn’t know which was which, so I thought I developed the film and they came out completely gone,” Thomas laughed.
In addition to renaming the SJMH Laboratory in honor of Thomas, Stonewall Jackson Memorial will also have a wall display with Bob’s contributions to the hospital in the Laboratory waiting area.
