After 20 long years, Biggar bus driver retires

With files from Sun West School Division

A party was recently held for Brian Fick, who after driving school buses in the Biggar area for 20 years, is taking his well-deserved retirement. Brian is well-liked by his colleagues and students alike as evidenced by the great turnout at the party from students from both Biggar Central School 2000 and St. Gabriel School as well as all his fellow area bus drivers and mechanics from the Sun West bus garage in Biggar. Renee Jeancart, the Supervisor of Transportation from the Sun West made the trip from Rosetown to let Brian know how much Sun West School Division appreciated his years of service and dedication to young people.

“Brian is one of those guys who makes your day brighter,” said Karen Itterman, Subdivision No. 3 (that includes Biggar) Board of Education Member, “his good humour and easy-going nature made him with popular with students and their parents. He was always ready to go the extra mile to make sure students arrived safe and sound at school and back home. We are going to miss him a lot! But we wish him all the best and thank him for everything he did.”

West Central Online was happy to share the story of Fick and his retirement, and we were pleasantly surprised to receive a phone call from the man himself this morning after the story had aired. His party took place a few weeks back now, and Fick said it was such a good surprise to hear his time on the route being recognized once again.

"It was just so awesome, thank you so much for putting something up there," thanked Fick, even though all the credit goes to his Sun West colleagues.

His passengers over the years will love the answer, as he shared just what his favourite part of driving the bus was.

"I just enjoyed the kids, listening to their stories, especially the small ones!," said Fick, "The stories that they tell and the things that are happening in their life in their little brain is just awesome."

The kids share those same memories, and he couldn't have been more shocked to see the staff honour him with the recent surprise.

"I never expected to walk in and see a cake, and have the kids all sitting around it. It was pretty awesome."

Fick entering retirement is great, but a void will certainly be left in his drivers seat. The Sun West School Division is always accepting applications for bus drivers, and you can check out the link below for more information on how to help.