On March 16, the day before his birthday, AEC Engineering celebrated the retirement of Harry Palmer after 31 years with AEC Engineering. Harry came to AEC in 1992 fresh off a lobster & tuna fishing boat where he had been working as a sternman. A friend had recommended AEC Engineering to Harry, and he was interested in getting “regular work” and something indoors, out of the elements. Harry had 10 years of experience as a machinist, so he was comfortable cutting metal and using the tools found around the shop. And just like today, the employees of AEC were happily willing to teach him the art of building control panels. Over the next 31 years Harry mastered this.
In addition to his experience in machine shops, Harry had spent 3 years in the US Marine Corps as an infantryman. For anyone that knows Harry, this makes perfect sense. Harry ran the shop similar to a drill sergeant! Harry’s deep and commanding voice, punctuated by profanities, kept the shop humming and shipshape. Customers who visited AEC would comment on how clean and organized the shop was.
Harry is hard on the outside, but soft on the inside. His gruff exterior hides a thoughtful and compassionate side that comes out in private conversations. He has a particular soft spot for the young people that come to work at AEC. He held them to a high standard and would bark at times, but would also take the time to show them the proper techniques for the various tasks they were assigned. Customers appreciated Harry’s attention to detail as well. AEC’s reputation as a high-quality panel shop is directly attributed to Harry’s oversight and commitment to his craft.
AEC Engineering began operating out of 172 Lower Main Street, Freeport location in 1990. Harry was hired about a year later and has been a fixture here ever since. Several former co-workers returned to celebrate Harry’s retirement, and the stories of “good old times” that were shared were great to hear. Harry made an everlasting imprint on AEC Engineering and has prepared Brandon Morissette, Shop Supervisor, to take over the role of Shop Foreman. Brandon has some big shoes to fill, but he is up for the challenge. Harry has trained him well!
Best of luck to you, Harry. Don’t be a stranger!
