Submitted Photo: Mountain Memories Assisted Living & Retirement Center Administrator Wendy Wolford, at left, presented long-time employee Richard Seibert a plaque to commemorate his over three decades of service at the facility. Seibert, the Director of Maintenance and Environmental Services at the facility, has retired after 32 years.

ELKINS — Richard Seibert has been at Mountain Memories Assisted Living & Retirement Center since the inception of the facility. He not only served as the Director of Maintenance and Environmental Services at the facility dating back to when it was Colonial Place, he also helped work on the construction plans for the facility back in the early 1990s. Now, the long-time employee at the facility has retired.

Although he said he is ready to retire and travel, Seibert added that he will miss working at the facility.

“I’ve met a lot of good people here,” he said.

Mountain Memories Executive Director Wendy Wolford will definitely miss having Seibert around the facility. She noted that Seibert has been a part of the Mountain Memories community since the very beginning.

“We are incredibly grateful for Rich’s 32 years of dedicated service,” Wolford said. “His dedication, compassion, and commitment have left a lasting mark on Mountain Memories, and his presence will truly be missed. We wish him all the happiness and enjoyment that comes with this well-deserved retirement.”

Seibert has served as the Director of Maintenance and Environmental Services since 1994. He added that he is very proud of his work and the things that were accomplished at the facility.

“Our goal has always been to provide the very best care and to make the facility the next best thing to home,” he said.

While being privately and locally owned until 2012, the facility was sold to at least four outside interests and was operated by two different management companies over the next nine years. It struggled.

After being “rescued” by Elkins Rehabilitation & Care Center (ERCC) in 2021, the facility received a new facelift and remodel. It is now in a better position for the future than ever in its history.

Seibert’s last day at the facility was May 29. He said he is looking forward to working on his farm and traveling with his wife.

“We’re looking forward to enjoying the golden years as they call them,” he said.

“Over the years, he has touched countless lives, built lasting friendships, and made a meaningful impact on our residents, families, and staff,” Wolford said.