Machinist decides, at 90, that he’ll retire

GUILFORD — Lee Harrington believes anyone can live a long, healthy and productive life if they work hard and refrain from tobacco and alcohol.

Harrington should know. At 90 years of age, he retired last week from Hardwood Products Co. after working there for almost 62 years.

If it hadn’t been for the fact that he wanted more time to fish and hunt, Harrington never would have retired. He also wanted to spend more time with his 89-year-old wife, Azilda, especially at a summer cottage they rent on the coast each year. The couple have no children.

Harrington was honored by his co-workers and employers at a reception on Friday. He said he learned the machinist trade at Fayscott in Dexter. In 1928, he began his duties at Hardwood Products.

A flier distributed to company employees said that it was because of Harrington’s knowledge, skills and talent that Hardwood Products was able to recover and continue in business after a disastrous fire in 1958.

Many of the machines that are used by the company today are some that Harrington helped build. He said machinists today learn only the operation of one machine, as opposed to older machinists who have learned the entire trade.

Harrington said when he reached the age of 60, he couldn’t make up his mind whether or not to retire. But the uncertainly of his wife’s health, who at that time was hospitalized, made him decide to remain on the job. He seldom missed a day of work.

The 90-year-old recently obtained his renewal license to drive and loves to travel.

His secret for a good life? “I’ve lived with no smoking and drinking and I see the doctor and dentist regularly,” he said.

Harrington was quick to say he would miss his fellow employees and his daily job in the machine shop, but fishing would fill the void.