Perth East road crews preparing gravel roads for summer dust control

Sept. 22 will mark 50 years since grader operator Ron Pfeifer of Rostock first began working for the former Ellice Township before later continuing with Perth East Township. Pfeifer says he still enjoys his job and the people he meets every day. Gary West photo

By Gary West

With warmer weather arriving and traffic increasing on rural roads, Perth East Township road crews are hard at work preparing gravel roads for summer dust-control applications.

Last week, grader operator Ron Pfeifer was busy grading Perth Road 106 in South Easthope ward, east of Shakespeare near the CN and CP rail line running between Stratford and Kitchener, ahead of dust-control treatment by an independent contractor.

Perth East can once again be commended for the condition of its gravel roads, which continue to be maintained to a high standard year after year for residents, farmers and the travelling public.

Pfeifer, who joked he still feels like “a spring chicken,” will mark a major milestone this fall. Sept. 22 will officially mark 50 years since he first began working for the former Ellice Township before later continuing his career with Perth East Township following amalgamation.

Over the course of five decades, Pfeifer has become a familiar face on township roads and someone well respected by residents and fellow employees alike.

“I’ve always enjoyed my time serving the people of Perth County and now, in particular, Perth East Township,” Pfeifer said.

Perth East Mayor Rhonda Ehgoetz previously praised Pfeifer’s dedication and commitment to the township.

“A guy like Ron is very hard to find,” Ehgoetz said. “For someone who has cared so much about his job for 50 years and who is so dependable and conscientious about the residents of the township he passes by regularly, that’s something special.”

Ehgoetz added Pfeifer has also played an important mentorship role within the township’s roads department over the years.

“Ron has not only done his own job but has also trained so many people on the job who appreciate his mild manner and demeanour,” she said.

Despite nearly half a century behind the controls of a grader, Pfeifer said he still enjoys the work and the people he meets every day while travelling township roads.

When he’s not working, Pfeifer says he enjoys spending time with his family, including his three grown children and three grandchildren, who help keep him busy away from the job.