Salesman’s big bash
SUPPLIERS, colleagues and customers will raise a toast to more than 35 years in the retail industry when they celebrate the work of Townsville salesman John Strachan.
The sales manager of Garry Thyer’s Betta Electrical group in Townsville has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and has been unable to attend work since November.
To give the hundreds of people who love Mr Strachan a chance to wish him well, his employer, Garry Thyer, has organised “Stracho’s Big Bash” at Molly Malones hotel on April 11 from 6pm.
Mr Thyer said John was like a son to him and a man of great integrity.
“He’s an extraordinary man. He is much loved by our suppliers, our staff and his customers, many of whom have become good friends.”
Mr Strachan said he had “not thrown in the towel just yet” and hoped people would come to the send off or, if they couldn’t, just to call him.
“Okay, I’m crook but I’m not throwing in the towel just yet even though it’s not the greatest outlook,” Mr Strachan said. “I have a young family. I want to be around as long as I can.
“Sometimes people don’t want to call. I encourage them to give me a ring. It’s nice to hear from them.”
Mr Strachan is undergoing chemotherapy to try to hold the disease in check.
Unfortunately, his tion is inoperable.
Mr Strachan has worked with the electrical and furniture retailer in Townsville since April 1983, starting in the business’s second hand department at the age of 18.
Dealing with customers and suppliers too numerous to count, he became the sales manager for the business’s Townsville operations.
Mr Thyer said he prayed for his friend.
“It’s such a shame he has this illness. We will help him out in every possible way,” Mr Thyer said. condi-