Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant! 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23

These are the words that Chuck Waters, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Mount Vernon Presbyterian School, used to describe Bruce Morine at his retirement celebration. After 15 years of humble servant leadership as the Chief Financial Officer of the School, Bruce is turning his attention to a new chapter in his life – that of adventure and travel, during his retirement.

In front of a crowd of colleagues, parents, students, friends, and family, Bruce graciously accepted words of gratitude and thank you gifts from the heart.

Bruce’s friend and former MV Board member, Paula Fisher, shared the following:

It is so good to look around the room and see so many familiar faces, and others brand new. Whether we know each other or not, we share something very special in common … our respect, admiration and thankfulness for Bruce Morine.

Bruce was one of the first people I met when our son, Avery, entered Kindergarten at Mount Vernon. I have served with him on the Board of Trustees, the Executive Committee, the Imagine Capital Campaign, and many Mount Vernon events. We belong to the same church…and Anna and Dale complete the circle of my relationship with this wonderful man we honor today.

“In every role he’s ever played, he’s shown us how to roll.”

“He is a magician with money, but has never robbed Peter to pay Paul.”

“Everything sounds good with a New Zealand accent.”

“He is a powerful teacher by example.”

“A gentleman and a scholar.”

“He’s the first one to go to for advice … and the last one to criticize.”

“A CFO who creates winning financial opportunities.”

“Quiet, bold, gentle strength…with bravery and confidence laced in grace and action.”

“Bruce is A humble man of his word.”

“Bridge-builder, Student advocate, Community Liaison, Project Manager Extraordinaire.”

“He is our friend.”

Bruce, we all see your reflection in the people who have worked along side you…in the students and parents who you have supported…in the staff and faculty you have influenced…and in every project and decision you have ever touched. You are leaving a fingerprint that is indelible. One that WILL NOT be erased with time, travel or change, for you have also given greatly of your heart. Perhaps that is the most precious and powerful gift anyone has to give. The kind that indeed makes our world better. The kind that changes minds, lives, people and places, and gives roots and wings to possibilities, ideas, dreams and growth. The kindness, decency and compassion in which you have dealt with such sensitive and confidential matters is compelling.

Like fine wine and good food, they need to be paired in order to bring out the very best in one another. All of us who have been paired with you over the years have done our best, and been at our best, thanks to you.

Retirement is NOT an end…but a beginning. A chance to recalibrate and flirt with old ideas and new dreams. If the true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit, then indeed you have lived your life extremely well.

So as you enter this new exciting part of your journey, go in Peace, Hope, Love and Joy, knowing with all of your heart and soul … THE BEST IS YET TO COME. Well done, Good and Faithful Servant!