THE FRASER Coast Motor Centre will see one of their longest serving staff members retire after 49 years of service to the dealership.

Martin Ritchie began with the then named car yard Tarrant’s a week before Christmas in 1973. The fresh faced 15 year old, who had a passion for speedway, eagerly started his first day as a motor mechanic apprentice at the Maryborough business when “Hervey Bay was just a seaside town.”

That began a journey of seeing multiple ownerships of the business and a career that is recognised as one of Ford Australia’s longest serving Master-Techs. His love of cars has seen his early apprenticeship launch his expertise to a Master-Tech level with constant training in technology that now includes Electric Vehicles.

“They are still motor cars, they now just have more power and fuel efficiency than ever before,” says Martin. 

He still carries the same passion and treats the cars he works on as if they are his own. His presence and the famous blue overalls will be sadly missed. Staff will gather for a farewell food and drinks night at the Westside Tavern.

Married for 39 years with three children, the proud family man loves to share his passion with his son, who is also a mechanic.

“I don’t want to finish in a wheelchair; I’m still feeling healthy, so now is the time to enjoy the next part of my life,” says Mr Ritchie.

Proudly born and lived in Maryborough all of his life, and remarkably only ever lived in two homes in his 64 years – his father’s and his own. Martin now wants to spend some time on his house. 

“I plan to take the caravan around Australia for 12 months, I’m just not sure when. We are not in a rush.”