Glendale postal carrier to retire after 20 years

GLENDALE, Ariz. (KSAZ) - He's been working for the United States Postal Service for over 20-years, now a Glendale letter carrier has decided it's time to retire.

But before he delivers his last letter, he sent his own that has gone viral online.

The heartfelt message was sent to the people along his route who say they will miss the man that has been delivering their mail for years.

Michael Raymer is a veteran mail carrier and has worked for the USPS for the past 20 years.

"Being out here talking to my customers just getting to know them, they're all like a second family to me," said Michael Raymer.

Raymer had decided to retire, but before he hands off his route to another letter carrier. He wanted to send his own letter that has gone viral.

"I just felt that was the best way to let my customers know that when they look out their door in a few weeks and see a different person delivering their mail at a different time they'll know why," said Raymer.

He sent the letter to all of the people on his route. Saying he enjoyed being their letter carrier and getting to know them over the years.

"I've been here long enough that I've seen kids when they are little, and I watch them grow up," he said.

The people on his route have enjoyed getting to know him.

"He's just one of those guys that you can talk to, he has a sweet soul, and he's a sweet guy, and I'm going to miss him... a lot of them have said I can't retire, I have to stick around," said Raymer.

Even though retirement is a big chance, but he is ready for it.

"This will be the first time since I was 9-years-old that I haven't had a job," he said.

"I hope I've made a difference, and I've left an impression on somebody... and I'm just going to miss the people, these people are so kind, and we all get along, and it's just good to be out here," said Raymer.

Raymer's last day on the job is September 30; he says he has no plans for retirement yet, but he thinks he will get a lot of stuff done around the house.