Saturday, May 30, 2009

My Uncle Jeff. . .

I spent part of this week in the Camdenton area. . . around the Lake of the Ozarks. They had a special dedication ceremony for my Uncle Jeff. He worked for Frito Lay most of his adult life. . .except for a stint as a Grocery Store Manager. Anyway, Jeff was killed in a car accident last October. He was only 36 years old and it was very tragic.

Jeff was instrumental in bringing a brand new Frito Lay distribution center to the Camdenton area. They call it the Taj Mahal of Distribution Centers. Jeff basically designed it himself, pushed for years to get it built, and when the builder got sick, he stepped in and took over. Jeff was a VERY hard worker . . I often worried about him and the long hours he put in and long drives across the state with his Frito Lay job.

So, Frito Lay decided to honor Jeff by naming the Distribution Center after him. They also developed an annual award for Frito Lay employees in Jeff's name. The recipient's name goes on a plaque and $500 goes to the Jeff's children's scholarship fund. The list goes on and on. . . .they had a beautiful ceremony. . .they said and did so many nice things. . .and they seem to be taking care of the family quite well.

I am amazed at such a huge company, such as Frito Lay. . . .that they would take such an interest in an employee. . . Jeff had worked for them for years. . . had served in several different District Manager Roles and had lots of employees under him. But I believe this says not only a lot about Frito Lay. . . .But also a lot about my Uncle Jeff and how well they thought of him. Jeff was only 3 years older than me. . . growing up he was more of a big brother or just one of the cousins rather than an Uncle. He is and will always be greatly missed.

This is one of the portraits painted of him. . . I think it makes him look a lot older than he was!! My Aunt and Grandmother were both given one. One hangs in the distribution center in Linn Creek. . .and two more hang in Regional and Corporate offices.


This is the sign for the building with his name. . .

4 comments:

Leslie said...

What a lovely tribute. Thanks for sharing his story.

Christina said...

Wow, I'm really impressed with Frito Lay, that's awesome that they're recognizing the work of your uncle!

Stephanie said...

How tragic...way too young. He sounds like he was a wonderful, hardworking man, what an honor.

Carina said...

Wow Meredith! That was so well said! Great Job! We will always miss our Uncle Jeff!