Dad's retirement party

[lipskidder]

So I planning his retirement party a year after he retired. Why? Because I seem to be the one in the family to have to arrange things, I am the one who can afford something like this and I am the one who had a screwed up life last year when he actually retired. Now I want to make sure this man who provided for us all those years gets something he isn't expecting but deserves more than anybody.

Question: What do people usually do at these kind of parties for fun? I am searching online but want to know what has worked for you in the past to cover some time and make the afternoon interesting to him and all the people that will show up. We have the food so that's all covered.

[voodoopenguin]

H&B

Thought I would say it before anyone else.

[cbelt3]

The most fun at these is the history. Everyone has a 'work life' and a 'home life' Often the two do not mix. Retirement parties are an opportunity for the two to mix, and for the people who participated in one part or another to at least spend a little time together.

it's also a great chance to entertain and be entertained by all the stories from the 'work life' that you never heard. Collect media from co-workers and friends, and you can put together quite a 'remember when' show. If you've got a work-life MC, it can turn into a bit of a 'roast' which is also fun for all participants.

And good on you for putting this together. It's a lot more fun to spend time remembering while everyone is still on the top side of the flowers. My dad died suddenly in an accident just before he was going to retire. I really only learned about elements of his work life at the memorial services.

[Fred_Also]

Well their probably not going to want to play football!

Ask you dad for suggestions, such as: everyone tells most embarrassing incident at work or funny story from work.

Take your camera and take a lot of pictures for your dad.

Make a sign up sheet for address and email and send copies to all who want them so they can stay in touch,


Fred Also

[rgG]

A PowerPoint of pictures with appropriate music is something I always see at things like that. Maybe his co-workers have some pictures of him at work functions and you could throw in some "olden days" family pictures of your dad when he was younger, too.

[TLB]

Make it a surprise.
Try to bring together dear friends and family that he doesn't get together with as much as in the past.
Rhonda's suggestion is a good kick off. Then let the party run on good friends, good memories and good conversation.

[lost in space]

what cbelt3 said. Plus, for my dad, his boss, a full colonel who was also a well-known portraiture artist (how's that for a mix?) did a oil portrait of my dad as Portuguese royalty in 1500s costume, but with the 60s-era glasses that my dad wore years after they were out of style. He was speechless.

So, I would also add a gift with some significance and humor.

[modelamac]

Use Keynote rather than PowerPoint, if you have it. Wife says it is easier to use.

[Article Accelerator]

[quote rgG]A PowerPoint of pictures with appropriate music
Here, we say, "A Keynote of pictures with appropriate music..."

[rgG]

[quote Article Accelerator][quote rgG]A PowerPoint of pictures with appropriate music
Here, we say, "A Keynote of pictures with appropriate music..."
Yeah, I thought about that when I was posting, but I'm not a Keynote or a PowerPoint user and I couldn't remember the Apple equivalent. Sorry for the faux pas, I will say three hail Leaders before bed tonight.