LETTER TO GARY MEYER

As I write this, Bob and I have been in Wyoming since near the end of June, and a couple of weeks ago, I was saddened to hear from a friend in Becker that Gary had shut down and retired. I also learned that four staffers resurrected and restructured the newspaper, which is now called Patriot; the newspapers we both founded long ago (first, West Sherburne Tribune, and later, Citizen) no longer existing.

I have known Gary since West Sherburne Tribune was founded all those years ago. Since then, Gary has worked diligently for Big Lake and surrounding communities, his newspaper becoming a mirror through which people could see themselves and others. Through his newspaper, he contributed much to the growth of Big Lake and surrounding communities and is deserving of recognition, respect and appreciation for his dedicated work.

Drastic changes such as are happening now, are difficult to adjust to for many people. Especially when their vocations dominated their whole lives. I remember when Gary, a former school teacher, moved to Big Lake with a dream in his heart to start a newspaper. He had done his preliminary homework well, knowing the community wanted and was waiting to be heard. I remember because I was one of the first applicants hired. Back then, I was a novice, working on my undergraduate degree in journalism. From writing columns, it went to reporting, taking photos, helping lay out pages, and more.

That was many years ago during which we all gradually grew older. Having spent our lives diligently pouring our efforts into the work God gave us until circumstances changed our world, it eventually became time to move on whether we wanted to or not. Now, we wonder how we got here so fast, some of us grieving those changes because the years we lived for are now melting into memories. However, some people embrace their retiring years, looking forward to activities not possible in the working world.

I don’t remember if I ever thanked you, Gary, for giving me a chance to work and grow my career with you as my mentor, but I’m thanking you now. I enjoyed all the years we worked together and am sorry you will no longer be in the pilot’s seat. Wishing you well, and may God bless you.

Mary Jo Mosher

Co-founder Citizen

Wyoming