Michigan McDonald’s employee Daniel Lybrink celebrated his retirement this week after more than three decades of faithful service. Lybrink, who has Down syndrome, began working at the restaurant chain’s Brighton location in 1984, WHMI Radio reported.
Earlier this week, a large group of friends, family, coworkers, and local media gathered at the Brighton McDonald’s to honor Lybrink for his hard work and incredible attitude over the years.
According to WHMI, Lybrink worked as a lobby manager at the restaurant, where he has become a familiar face to local customers who have frequented the restaurant over the past 33 years.
General Manager at the Brighton McDonald’s, David Glynn, has worked with Lybrink for the past 13 years. He told WHMI that Daniel has a gift for “[making] everybody feel special.”
Another co-worker, Ruthan Knarr, described Daniel as responsible, polite, and courteous employee, adding that he’s the sweetest man she’s ever met. McDonald’s employee Rachel Meredith echoed Knarr’s comments, noting that Lybrink is “always smiling,” no matter what.
In a special Facebook shout-out, the National Down Syndrome Society congratulated Daniel on a well-deserved retirement:
Lybrink, who refers to his coworkers as his “other family,” is excited about what the future holds. In June, Daniel will move to Manistee, near Lake Michigan, where he and his roommates, with the help of caregivers, will spend their retirement fishing, traveling, and participating in Special Olympics.