This past week was all about family for Wayne Labbe.

Early in the week, Wayne and his wife Pat celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary, and on Friday, Wayne worked his final day with his work family at Bush Hog after 41 years and seven months on the job.

The idea that Bush Hog is a family is nothing new for Wayne.

“A lot of us, we came here as kids and we grew up together,” Wayne said. “We know things about each other’s families and kids. It makes me appreciate being here. It truly is a family we’ve got here.”

Labbe, whose first day at Bush Hog was Nov. 11, 1972, said he’d still be busy even though he’s retiring from the company. Labbe is also mayor of Valley Grande.

“I know my Monday is already planned out, and then my wife and I will be babysitting the two grandkids Tuesday and Thursday,” Wayne said. “… I know that honey-do list is getting pretty long. I’ve got some things to get after.”

Dozens of coworkers and family members gathered in a Bush Hog conference room Friday to honor Labbe’s four decades of service and wish him the best of luck in the future.

It’s no surprise there was a large crowd on hand, as Wayne has worked for several departments at Bush Hog over the years — inventory control, shipping and traffic, materials and finally in purchasing.

Over the years, Labbe was able to get new employees up to speed on the inner workings of the business.

“As a new person coming in, you kind of look for the natural historians of a company and it was great that I didn’t have to look further than my own department to fill me in on things that happened before and why things happen in a certain way,” Bush Hog purchasing director Mike Bragdon said. “I just want to thank Wayne for the last two-and-years. It has been an absolute pleasure working with you.”

Wayne’s wife, Pat, said she was humbled by the number of current and former coworkers on hand for Friday’s event.

“It’s great to see the turnout today, but it’s no surprise because Bush Hog is a wonderful family,” Pat said. “It means a lot to have them here, and we’re are ready for what’s next.”