YANEK Olsen\u2019s generosity of spirit has seen him leave a lasting impression on the people who have walked through the Torquay Salvos. <\/p>\n
The 70-year-old father of four retired from his position as thrift shop manager last week after serving in the role for six years. <\/p>\n
Although it was a bittersweet decision, Yanek said he and wife Lynne were looking forward to enjoying life while in good health. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve reached a stage where we\u2019re ready for another journey in life. It enables us now, while we\u2019ve got good health, to do what we want, when we want,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt becomes more than just running a store. They\u2019re (the volunteers) friends to each other; it creates your own little community within.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s great to leave on good terms; it\u2019s like winning a premiership \u2013 you think \u2018well, we\u2019ve done this, the people are great, but we need to do things ourselves now\u2019\u201d. <\/p>\n
Yanek is best known for his love of sport, with football references slyly creeping into his vernacular during most conversations. <\/p>\n
He is a life member at Newtown and Chilwell Football Club and South Barwon Football Club, having spent many years wearing the guernsey for both sides. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been doing sport since I was nine-years-old.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve accomplished quite a lot, and you value what you\u2019ve done and the clubs you\u2019ve been with. Sport\u2019s a big part of my life.\u201d<\/p>\n
The avid sportsman has spent much of his life working fulltime, beginning his first job at Geelong Cement Works when he was 17.<\/p>\n
He then went on to work at Deakin University for 18 years and was the institute\u2019s fifth employee. <\/p>\n
Minister Peter Ellis said Yanek\u2019s diligent attitude had set a sensational example for his fellow volunteers. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis man has left a rich legacy. He has a beautiful spirit, he\u2019s hardworking and totally committed, and he\u2019s turned that shop (the Torquay Salvos) into one of the best performing thrift shops in country Victoria. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a great team, but it\u2019s also a great leader who\u2019s a team player. And because of that, we\u2019re blessed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Yanek and Lynne will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary next year surrounded by their 14 grandchildren. The couple will also travel to China in April. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
YANEK Olsen\u2019s generosity of spirit has seen him leave a lasting impression on the people who have walked through the Torquay Salvos. The 70-year-old father of four retired from his position as thrift shop manager last week after serving in the role for six years. Although it was a bittersweet decision, Yanek said he and […]<\/p>\n