Saying goodbye

It was evident the residents at Sidney Health Center Extended Care were going to miss him.

He’d taken care of them for almost four years.

Eddy Schwartzenberger became part of the Health Center’s family.

“We want to thank you for everything you’ve done for us and for our residents,” Kris Radke, Extended Care activities director, told Schwartzenberger Friday afternoon. Extended Care residents held a goodbye party in which cake was shared, hugs exchanged and goodbyes said.

Schwartzenberger moved to Miles City Saturday where his brother and sister reside. The move became necessary after his mother passed away a few months ago at Extended Care. For years he took care of her by visiting and attending to any needs she might have had. That’s where his relationship with the extended care’s staff and residents began. From volunteering, he became a junior aid, helping nursing and activities staff by setting tables, visiting with residents, taking care of the animals and passing ice to residents at meal times.

His tasks weren’t overly strenuous; quiet minimal actually. But they meant the world to the residents. “I’m going to miss him a great deal,” resident Harriet Hillesland said. “He’s always got a smile.” Hillesland will miss Schwartzenberger’s smiles and hugs the most and adds, “He loves to be able to do things for people.”

And so is the sentiment that runs through the halls at the facility, including fellow co-workers who were appreciative of him, even if they didn’t work directly with him. “I wouldn’t have missed it (the party). I think it’s great they’re doing this for him,” said Anne-Marie Kleinsasser, patient care coordinator, who came to the party to see the honoree off before she headed home. “I know the residents are going to miss him. They love him dearly.”

Schwartzenberger ate cake with the residents who sat at their tables in the cafeteria. There was a stream of hugs from those who’d miss him most. Radke presented him with a T-shirt that read, “You will always be Number 1 at Extended Care Sidney, Montana.” He was delighted as well when he was given a card signed by co-workers.

Now, those at Sidney Health Center Extended Care weren’t the only ones touched by Schwartzenberger. A man of odd jobs from mowing lawns to being a paper carrier at the Sidney Herald, Schwartzenberger gained respect from those around him. Radke probably said it best as she said her goodbye: “He knew his job very well, and he did it really good everyday. Nobody worked like Eddy.”

A man of little words, he told staff at Extended Care what he’d miss most: “People.” Then later added, “A lot of stuff.” He promised to return again soon to say hello. He would miss it.

reporter@sidneyherald.com