RANKIN INLET - A large gathering came out to wish longtime public-service worker Noah Makayak a happy retirement this past week in Rankin Inlet.

Makayak spent more than four decades in government service, with the past 20 spent with the Hamlet of Rankin Inlet.

Noah Makayak says he wants to retire while he's still able to get around and enjoy it. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

SAO Paul Waye said Makayak spent about half his tenure with public works, and the other half with the airport.

He said in the years he's known him, Makayak's always been an excellent employee.

"Noah's a conscientious employee and great to work with," said Waye.

"I say that even though the first time I met him, he tried to kick me out of the garage.

"I came in and started asking questions, not realizing he didn't know who I was.

"He wanted to know what the heck I was doing in the garage, so I knew we were in good hands after that."

Makayak became acting airport maintenance manager after his predecessor suffered a fatal heart attack.

Waye said the longtime employee actually put off his retirement for a month to give the hamlet a bit longer to name his replacement.

"Although he's now officially retired, Noah said he's coming back to finish off a few things when the weather turns good again.

"He wants to come back to help the guys finish some stuff he just couldn't get around to."

Makayak, 65, said he wants to retire while he's still able to get around and enjoy it.

He said he's looking forward to enjoying a lot of extra time on the land.

"I started working with various government departments back in 1963," said Makayak.

"I really enjoyed my time with the hamlet because I like doing what I can to help the community.

"I still enjoyed my job even after I became, more or less, a boss.

"I still approached things the same way and I haven't changed too much over the years."

Things have changed a great deal since Makayak first started with the hamlet.

He said there have been so many changes, it's hard to pick any one as a particular challenge.

"I used to get a headache once in awhile, but you have to adapt with the times or you're left behind.

"There were many, many people who helped me throughout the years.

"And I've known many good, hard-working people during my years with the hamlet."

Makayak describes himself as an outdoors person, and said the job never ends working with the hamlet.

He said as soon as you finish one project, there's another waiting to go.

"You have to work hard to keep up with the regular stuff, as well as the new projects, or when you have to deal with bad weather.

"It was hard for me in the early days, because I didn't really know how to deal with the public that well.

"I enjoy working outside, but I did struggle a bit when I had to spend a lot of time in the office.

"The office really isn't my style."