At 89, he's an award-winning worker

DUNEDIN -- Since childhood, 89-year-old Dunedin resident Rigoberto Gil has placed a high priority on family.

Gil was the youngest of 16 children. He cared for his older siblings daily until the last one died three years ago. He paid for their nursing home care and visited them every day.

After his final sibling died, he and his wife of 55 years, Maria Elena Yunes DeGil, left their home in Chihuahua, Mexico, and moved to Dunedin. Gil wanted to be close to his children, three in Florida and two in Texas.

He came to Florida only after he was promised a job. He said he did not plan to sit around and watch television for the rest of his life.

Even though Gil worked for more than 50 years in the banking business, his last three years of work have been far from a desk. That doesn't bother him, though.

Gil starts his day at 5 a.m. He walks and exercises to prepare his body for his day's work in the shipping department of Nutrena/Nulab Inc., where he lifts and moves large boxes, helps with storage and delivers products to customers.

"I walk about 1.5 kilometers six days a week," he said through interpreter, friend and supervisor Andy Araujo. "It is like limbering up for work. Plus it is healthy for me."

Araujo said Gil is always prompt and has not missed a day of work in three years.

His reliable performance was recognized by the Florida office of Experience Works, a national provider of training and employment services for older workers. He was selected as the Florida 2002 Outstanding Older Worker.

In September, he joined winners from each state for a gathering in Washington, D.C., where he was introduced to members of Congress from Florida and treated to several sightseeing tours of the capital.

He attributes his longevity to parental guidance and a healthy lifestyle.

From his parents and grandparents, he learned the importance of regular exercise and proper diet, which he taught to his five children, 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

He taught his grandchildren to enjoy swimming, skating, soccer, running and other forms of exercise. He has also taught them the importance of being careful about what they consume.

"I do not use tobacco products and never drink alcoholic beverages," Gil said. "I do not even take modern medicines that may have chemical additives in them. I do take a natural daily vitamin called Gold Quest, made by my company, that gives me natural energy. I teach my grandchildren about health so they can live longer, too."

Since 1958, Experience Works has helped men and women 65 and older find jobs. It also recognizes their positive results with awards such as the Older Worker of the Year.

"For any older person who can work, just do it no matter what other people may say to be discouraging," Gil said. "Me, I work to stay fit, and I don't want to be a burden to my children. When I feel tired, I just tell my body to do it, and it doesn't protest. I plan to work until the day I die."

"He is always reliable and doesn't miss work," Araujo said of Gil. "We had to finally force him to take some time off for a vacation."

- If you know of someone in your community or neighbor who would make a good profile candidate for our Faces colunmn, please send information to Terry Jones, c/o Seniority, the Times, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731.

To learn more

For more information about the Experience Works program, call Pat Wellner, the field operations coordinator in Pinellas County, at (727) 345-5975.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright