Stories

A retailer through and through

Shirley Boyd was born in Invercargill, lived in Clydevale and Balclutha before moving with her mother to Dunedin in her 20s.

Shirley’s formative years were happily spent with her sister, Nancy, and brother, Colin. The siblings were quite young when their father passed away suddenly so to help supplement their income, the young family moved to Balclutha and Shirley’s mother took in boarders.

Shirley met her future husband, Barry, at a party and they tied the knot when Shirley was 21.

Talking about her earlier life with a hearty chuckle, Shirley recalls with fond memories, her love of working in the retail sector including DIC, and Arthur Thomas Shoe Store in South Dunedin.

“Mr & Mrs Thomas were really wonderful people and when their sons took over the business, they too were lovely to work for,” says Shirley.

But the opening of The Warehouse in Maclaggan Street had an impact on the shop and Shirley found herself without a job.

“Three days after I lost my job, I went to The Warehouse and started working in the footwear department. I loved working there. My workmates were absolutely wonderful.”

Twenty years later and it was time for Shirley to retire but her workmates made sure she would go out in style!

“Everyone brought in food and the table was absolutely packed, including a cake and a gift hamper full of treats!”

“The manager told me that Stephen Tindall would call me and he did! He thanked me for the years I put in and wished me all the best. I was really overwhelmed.”

Through their married life, Shirley and Barry (who were members of the Dunedin Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffalos Lodge), had many trips around New Zealand including Whangamatā, Wellington and Christchurch.

“One of our trips was to the West Coast which included a helicopter ride over the glaciers. I’ll never forget it, it was amazing.”

When Barry was 78 he passed away, having being diagnosed with cancer two years earlier. Barry had moved to Montecillo Veterans Home and Hospital where Shirley visited him every day until his death. “It was tough but we managed.”

Then in 2022 Shirley had a fall and was unable to get help for 10 hours, not being able to reach her phone. After a short stay in hospital it became clear that she needed more help so she moved to St Andrews.

“It was a big adjustment, and I hated it at first because I wasn’t myself, but the staff are absolutely wonderful. You get a bit peeved off sometimes, but I’ve only got praise for the staff. It’s also hard when other residents pass away because you get to know them and their families.”

As for interests and hobbies, Shirley and Barry were keen dart players. She knitted for friend’s children, and she is now a regular participant in St Andrews activities and outings.

And the food? “The main meals are lovely but if I don’t like the sound of the tea menu, I’ll opt for toast!”

With the initial settling into a new home and finding her feet now behind her, Shirley’s bubbly personality and laughter is a joy and life is good.