A Transition and a Legacy
In the life of every organization, there are moments of transition that feel heavier than others. There are certain individuals who, over time, become more than just employees listed on a payroll. They become the pillars that hold the structure up. They become the standard by which we measure dedication.
Today, the Big Creek Group management and staff come together to celebrate a transition, but more importantly, to honor a legacy. We are bidding a heartfelt farewell to a man who is the very definition of that standard: Mr. Aldous Forman.
While we are officially celebrating his 18 years of service at the Port of Big Creek, looking at Mr. Forman’s career requires a much wider lens. We aren’t just looking at a resume; we are looking at history.
Four and a Half Decades of Grit
To understand the value Mr. Forman brought to our team, you have to look at the numbers. While he has been a fixture at the Port of Big Creek for the last 18 years, his story in this sector goes back much further.
Aldous has spent a staggering 46 years in the banana industry.
Think about that for a moment. Four and a half decades. When Mr. Forman started, the world was a different place, and this industry was a different beast. He has watched the industry evolve from the ground up. He has weathered the literal and economic storms, navigated shifting global markets, and watched the trade grow into the powerhouse it is today.
He has carried that deep, institutional knowledge with him every single day. In a world where people often switch careers every few years, Mr. Forman offered us stability and wisdom that simply cannot be taught in a classroom. We have been the lucky beneficiaries of that lifetime of experience.
The Anchor of Big Creek
There is a sentiment often whispered in the hallways, shared on the docks, and nodded to in our meetings—a feeling that we all share: “Whenever you see Mr. Forman, you think about the Port of Big Creek.”
The two have become simply inseparable.
Mr. Forman, you haven’t just worked at the Port; in many ways, you have been the Port. You embody the grit, the reliability, and the rhythm of this place. In an industry defined by constant movement—ships docking, cargo loading, trucks transit, and cranes lifting—you have been our anchor.
You were the calm during the frantic busy seasons and the steady hand when challenges arose. When people looked at you, they didn’t just see a supervisor or a coworker; they saw the identity of Big Creek. Your 18 years here have been defined by an unwavering consistency that gave the rest of the team the confidence to push forward.
Teaching the Next Generation
Perhaps Mr. Forman’s greatest contribution, however, is not in the cargo moved, but in the culture fostered. He taught the younger generation of Port workers that this work isn’t just about logistics; it’s about pride.
He demonstrated, through action, that what we do here in Big Creek sustains our community and represents our country to the world. He showed us that showing up matters, that details count, and that hard work is its own reward.
A Well-Earned Horizon
Mr. Forman, while we are saddened to lose your daily presence on the docks, we are incredibly happy for you. You have given 46 years of your life to the grind. You have earned every single minute of relaxation that is coming your way.
Whether retirement means raising chickens, spending precious time with your grandchildren, or simply enjoying the luxury of waking up without an alarm clock—you deserve it all.
Please know that while you are leaving your post, you are not leaving our hearts. The systems you helped build, the efficiency you championed, and the culture of dedication you helped foster will remain long after your last shift.
On behalf of the entire management and staff at the Big Creek Group: Thank you.
Thank you for your leadership, your friendship, and for being the face of this Port for nearly two decades. We wish you fair winds and calm seas in your retirement.
