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‘Bread Man’ from Mannville Retires after 55 Years of Loyal Service
‘Bread Man’ from Mannville Retires after 55 Years of Loyal Service
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Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
Bread is one of the oldest man-made foods and been of significant importance since the dawn of agriculture. It has been a staple in Canadian diets for many generations, and it was the mainstay in George Ruttan’s life for 55 years.
George recalls when a fellow from Lloydminster phoned him up and asked if he would cover his bread route with McGavin Foods for two months so he could go to Phoenix, Arizona. That was in January of 1976.
George puts on his jacket to leave for work for the last time on Dec. 3, 2020.
(Gail Ruttan/Submitted Photo)
On February 14, 1965 George began working fulltime with the company delivering bread in north Edmonton and St. Albert. “I thought I’d work for a year or two and I ended up doing it for 55 years!”
He describes McGavin’s as one big family. “You knew all the bosses, office staff, bakers, shippers and receivers. They had after work get togethers with curling, bowling, softball, barbecues, picnics as well as Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties.
In a way it was like being your own boss, explains George, as they would be in charge of their own routes. George was very familiar with that as he and his wife Gail owned a confectionary and sporting goods store that operated in Mannville for many years. This is where they raised their four children Tracy, Tammy, Jackie and Troy. Troy decided to follow his father’s footsteps and has been with Canada Bread for 15 years.
