A McDonald's
worker with Down syndrome who has become an icon at his local fast food
restaurant will hang up his apron after 32 years.
Russell
O'Grady first donned the chain's uniform in 1986 as an 18-year-old - and
quickly became a popular employee at Northmead McDonald's in Sydney's West.
He was often
seen cleaning tables and greeting customers, who have dubbed him the
'best-known person in Northmead'.
Now at 50 years
of age, he will be leaving behind sad customers, many of which make the trip
into the store just to see him, the The Daily Telegraph reported.
McDonald's
supervisor Courtney Purcell said Mr O'Grady has become an icon in Northmead.
'We've got
regular customers who come in to see Russell on Thursday and Friday, and the
staff look after him, so we're going to miss him,' she said.
Mr O'Grady's
brother Lindsey told the paper his dedication to work had made his family
incredibly proud.
'He's kind
of blase about it but loves his work very much. He's pretty cheeky sometimes.
He's my big brother and he keeps me in line,' he said.
The beloved
employee's father, Geoff O'Grady, previously told Daily Mail Australia people
used to stop his son on the street to shake his hand.
'He's very
affectionate, dearly loved and appreciated, to such an extent that we just
don't believe it.'
Geoff said
his son's career has given him a different outlook on life.
'Somebody
said to him ''are you handicapped?'' and his answer was ''I used to be when I
went to school, but now I work at McDonald's'',' he said.
Mr O'Grady
began his job at the local restaurant during a time when people with
disabilities were seldom in the workforce.
His career
began with work experience, but when he showed how hard he worked he moved into
a secure job with McDonald's packing party boxes.
He also
tried his hand at other duties in the restaurant, even having a go in the
kitchen.
The
50-year-old is just one among hundreds of people living with a disability who
have had the opportunity to be trained and put in a job through Jobsupport.
After a lot
of contemplation, Mr O'Grady came to the conclusion retirement was the best
decision for his health.
He's an avid
tenpin bowler and spends lots of his time at Northmead Bowling Club, the men's
shed at Richmond, where he'll be spending lots of his free time.
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