LILLIAN AMOS
When pupils pass by Anthony Adams, the foreman at Lotus River Primary School, they are always greeted with a warm smile and a word of encouragement.
Mr Adams, 63, has been working for the education department for the past 28 years and 15 of those have been spent at Lotus River Primary School, on the corner of Lake Road and Fifth Avenue in Grassy Park.
Now Mr Adams is retiring to spend more time with his wife, Belinda, 10 children, 20 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Mr Adams initially started out as a painter but didn’t have many jobs lined up in winter. In 1987 he got a job as a cleaner at Battswood Primary School in Grassy Park. A few years later he started as a general assistant at Zwaanswyk Pri- mary School where he spent 12 years.
In 2 000 he started his career at Lotus River Primary as a general foreman.
The Lotus River resident said his time at the school has been enjoyable but he feels it’s time to rest.
Although he is officially retired, he will still spend some time at the school and help out if he is need- ed.
Mr Adams also works at his church, the Lotus River Nazarene Church.
“I am still very dedicated to this school because my daughter, who is in Grade 4, is at the school. The staff have become like family and it will be sad to officially leave,” he said.
Belinda Adams, who has been married to Mr Adams for 12 years, recalls the day they got married, which shows her husband’s commitment to the school.
“He had to come to the school first and unlock the gates and later came to lock up again before going to our reception. That is how dedi-cated he is to this school but I didn’t mind. Now I have a bit more time to spend with him and I will cherish that,” said Ms Adams.
Acting deputy principal, Lilian Arendse has known Mr Adams since he started working at the school and highly praised his hard work.
“He has such a beautiful soul and he is such a good person. He always has a smile, he’s very helpful and would chip in wherever he can,” said Ms Arendse.
“Rain or shine we could always count on Mr Adams to come through for us and he will be sorely missed,” said Ms Arendse.
