Why bring this up now? In addition to the present world events, recent, more personal events have bought me to this mode of thinking. It is retirement season at one of my places of employment, and my boss retired with after nearly forty years of experience. Many of the things I do were things she helped pioneer, and now she and her experience are gone.

There was another retirement, that of Beverly Butrum, that weighs on my mind. Butrum retired from Disneyland Park after working in New Orleans Square stores since 1967. She became infamous to some, endeared to others. Having worked in the classic One of a Kind shop until switching to the Disney Gallery when it opened in 1987, she was in a place where she developed relationships with Disneyana collectors, Disney artists, and Imagineers.

I can’t remember when I first met Bev. I visited the Gallery regularly after it opened, and so did some of my friends, who also befriended Bev and others in the Gallery. One friend in particular had known Bev since she’d started as he’d visit the One of a Kind shop as a guest and as a cast member. He’d later be back to the Gallery to sign artwork. Once I became a cast member, I’d incorporate visits to the Gallery (and to Bev) into my work.

Sometimes to the consternation of her fellow cast members and the benefit of the guests, Bev would become engrossed in conversations with some of her regular guests. While some of the younger, single female cast members in the Gallery were sought after by both guests and cast members alike for a good flirting session, married, matronly Bev, who could be warm as a crackling fireplace fire (when she wanted to be) would be occupied by someone seeking her memories of Disneyland Park from decades past.

I was privileged to attend her retirement party on Sunday, March 16, at Café Orleans. It was quite a collection of folks from different walks of the Disney culture and all generations. Scores of people crammed inside to share memories and enjoy irresistible desserts. Bev’s family, Imagineers, current and former park cast members, collectors- Bev thanked each person and related how she knew them. It was great to finally meet her son, whom she was fond of talking about. Tony Baxter was there, having started the day at Tokyo Disney Resort but making it back for Bev’s party.

A long, funny poem written about Bev was expertly read and presented to her, framed. She also got her very own "window", in the tradition of the windows on Main Street (though this one won't go on Main Street, but rather in her home). It was done by one of Disney's best artists, representatives, and former Disney Gallery cast member Stacia Martin. Painted on it was Bev's name as the owner of a Gallery of Fine Art & Antiques that are "truly one of a kind", "Since 1967."

The conversation at the party was so inspiring and nostalgic, the desserts were so sweet, and it was such a great get-together overall that I couldn’t help but think we were having a much better time than the people directly above us in Club 33.

I’d been at the Resort since six in the morning, and I finally pried myself away at about 10:30 p.m., knowing I had to wake up the next morning no later than six. Bev had retired, having served her time continuing the dream of Walt Disney.