Meet Richard (Rich) Edwards
Desert Palms Custodian (Part-time)
General Job Description: Rich’s primary function is to perform basic custodial duties as a member of Desert Palms’ custodial team. Other team members are Mario Ozuna, Building Superintendent, and Part-time Custodian Robert Woodward. Rich’s routine duties include maintaining a clean and attractive facility (sweeping, cleaning restrooms, emptying trash cans, etc.), helping with set-ups for meetings and programs, and doing other maintenance chores when requested. Rich generally can be found going about his work Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday between 3—9 p.m., Friday, 1-6 p.m., and every other Saturday 9 a.m.—2 p.m. However, his work days and hours vary, depending on custodial needs for special events, activities, and programs.
Most rewarding Part of Job: Rich enjoys his work in general, but especially appreciates the opportunities he has to meet new people. With a smile he admits he also likes his job because it gets him out of the house and away from a “Honey-Do” list!
Most Challenging Part of Job: He has not encountered any major problems thus far and feels he has been able to meet his job expectations without difficulty.
Work Experience/Training: Rich was employed by American Airlines from 1965 to 1975 as an Oxygenation Engineer. Next he became an entrepreneur, owning and operating a small trucking firm in Chicago. He remained involved in the business until his retirement three years ago. While running his trucking business he also supervised a 35-person security force for a large 14,000-member church on Sundays. He enjoyed the challenges this job offered and the opportunity to work with a good staff of policemen. His work crew appreciated his leadership and came to affectionately refer to him as “Godfather.”
Off-job Interests: While in the Chicago area, Rich enjoyed getting out of the big city on occasion to river fish with grandchildren. Gardening has been a fun pastime, especially raising tomatoes. He indicated he set a goal for himself to raise a tomato as large as a cantaloupe...a goal not met yet, but he says he hasn’t given up. Another interest he has had for some time is making BBQ equipment by utilizing unused metal barrels similar to the barrels used for oil. He said his end product is attractive and great for cooking tasty BBQ!
Personal Notes: Rich was born in Indianola, MS. He moved with his family to Chicago when he was ten years old, where he lived his next 58 years. Three years ago he left Chicago to move to Sun City West to be closer to children living in the Southwest. Rich has five children (3 daughters, 2 sons), two step-children, and five grandchildren. He is married to Virgie, who currently works as a supervisor for Direct Buy. Recently, Rich and Virgie relocated in the El Mirage area.
Rich indicated that he is a happy and thankful—three-time cancer survivor.” He attributes his survival to successful treatments, and more importantly, to maintaining a positive, optimistic outlook. This view of life and his world around him, along with his various work experiences over the years, contribute to the pleasant, friendly environment that exists at Desert Palms. We welcome Rich to the Desert Palms family!
