Alongside family and friends and long-time colleagues, Eric Schop celebrated 50 years of craftsmanship and employment at Sanderson Monument in Orillia on Thursday.
Among those gathered at Hawk Ridge, several noted it was hard to find a card acknowledging an anniversary of over 30 years, such is the feat of working at one company for five decades.
“It’s extremely rare these days,” said Scott Sanderson, a fifth-generation member of the family behind the company, as he publicly celebrated Schop’s strengths of both skill and character.
Schop started in the layout room of Sanderson Monument only two days after his 16th birthday. On Halloween in 1974, Schop started cutting stencil and learning how to inscribe designs into stones by hand.
“I figured, I’ll try it out, and I enjoyed doing it so I stuck around,” said Schop with a chuckle.
Now, 50 years later, some tasks have changed with the advent of new technology. Computers are an integral part of the process while an automatic sandblaster is used, and cranes help to set monuments.
Throughout it all, Schop has shown an "unwavering commitment" and the ability to adapt to new methods, which was recognized at Thursday's event.
“Working for a monument company is no small task,” said Schop’s daughter, Sheri.
She reminisced about her high school days seeing her father’s work in the shop. For her, celebrating 50 years is also a demonstration of being a role model for future generations.
“Showing his kids and now grandkids the craft, love, and care in his work,” she continued in praise of her father's work ethic.
“He’s the guy that makes everything happen in our shop,” said Neil Sanderson.
Polishing and cutting granite, setting and restoring monuments, even fixing equipment are among Schop’s daily tasks, he noted.
Colleagues and friends mentioned his many skills and, in particular, the patience he shows when teaching new employees.
“It’s not so much a challenge,” said Schop about his teaching methods. “I only know one way of doing it, so that’s what I can teach. As long as the end result is what I want,” he concluded.
In one speech that referenced the downtown Orillia Starry Night event, in which artists open their studios and display artwork, Schop, it was noted, is keen to demonstrate the art of his craft.
The Sandersons, who call Schop a member of the family, recognized his willingness to pick up new ideas and the continuous improvement over the decades. The celebration honoured Schop’s faithfulness and hard work.
“The firefighters memorial, the Sir Sam Steele memorial, now the Christian Island one honouring residential schools…He has a hand in all of these special projects,” said Neil Sanderson.
Many stories were shared about the joys of working with Schop, from the day he was hired to his 50th anniversary. There was a sincere laugh among those in attendance when Scott Sanderson joked about Schop's two sick days out of the 18,236 work days he has put in at Orillia's oldest business.
“The common thread we’ll find is Eric’s work ethic and pride in what he does every day,” said Neil Sanderson.
Sanderson Monument has deep roots in Orillia and was recognized last year for its 151 years of continuous operation, making it Orillia's oldest business.
