Lower Yellowstone Rural Electric Cooperative (LYREC) announces the retirement of Don Prevost. Don began his career at Lower Yellowstone as the office manager in 1970. After 27 years of fulfilling his role as office manager, Don was promoted to general manager/CEO in 1997.
Throughout Don's years with LYREC, he has donated time to numerous cooperative affiliates such as the Montana Electric Cooperatives' Association, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and Basin Electric Power Cooperative, to name a few. Don also filled in as the interim manager at Upper Missouri Power Cooperative for several months, in addition to his duties as general manager of LYREC.
Don has not only been a dedicated employee, but he has also been involved in several community groups, including the school board, the Sidney swim team board, the Sidney Jaycees, Sidney Lions Club, St. Matthew's Parish council, Knights of Columbus, Moose Lodge, Sidney girls softball coach, and Richland County economic development.
"Don has gained the respect of his peers, not only in the co-op world, but also in the community," Operations Manager Chris Hillesland remarks.
"I have valued the opportunity to get to work with Don the past 10 years. He genuinely cares about those he works with, and I am saddened to be losing him as a member of our work family," says Member Services Coordinator Jami Propp.
Although Don will be missed by his cooperative family, the employees of LYREC feel fortunate that Don will get to spend more time with his wife, Julie, their four daughters, Andrea, Rachelle, Deedra and Stephanie and, of course, their four adorable grandchildren. Don plans to spend his retirement years fishing, helping his nephew on the farm, traveling, spoiling his grandkids and just enjoying life.
Throughout his 45 years at the cooperative, Don has faced a variety of challenges in his career, and has had to make some difficult decisions.
"Don has always put everything into doing what he has felt is the best for Lower Yellowstone and the co-op in general," Hillesland says. Don has been innovative in dealing with the problems that arise in a co-op, whether it be rising power costs, a downturn in the economy or the growth experienced in the last 10 years.
"Don has been a mentor to me, and numerous others, showing us how to be exceptional cooperative employees," says Assistant Manager Jason Brothen.
Board Chairman Allen Thiessen notes, "Some of the things that stand out when I think about Don retiring are congratulations and thank you. First, congratulations on completing a very fine career at Lower Yellowstone. Forty-five years is a remarkable achievement. Second, thank you ever so much for everything you've done along the way and for having our cooperative in top shape as we make the transition to new management. Speaking on behalf of the current and former board members, I can say that it has been a real pleasure to work with Don as we tackled our ever-changing environment. Don was always ready to deal with new challenges and took them on as readily in the later years as he did when he first began as manager. Lower Yellowstone will benefit from many of Don's actions for years to come."
"Don has always been very fair and a pleasure to work with all of these years," says Mechanic Mike Eberling.
"We certainly are going to miss Don and we wish him a wonderful, relaxing retirement. In the meantime, I would encourage as many as can to stop by the office before April 1 to thank him and wish him the best," Thiessen adds.
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