Final working day for Farmar’s great veteran

Text and photo: Sveinung W. Jensen, Tellus Kommunikasjon

The smell of barbecue food filled the air in Lundevågen as Farmar colleagues gathered to mark the end of a long chapter.

On the table were soft drinks, coffee and cakes. Around the table sat people who knew this was not just another ordinary working day. It was Odd Vik’s last.

NOW APPROACHING 77, he has decided to call it a day after 11 years with Farmar.

“I don’t quite know what I’m going to do now. I’m a bit reluctant about it,” says Vik.

Then he adds:

“But I do hope to pop in here now and then. If they need me, they only have to call.”

Odd Vik has been one of the familiar faces at Farmar’s base in Lundevågen. Not necessarily someone who has made a lot of noise, but someone highly valued by his colleagues.

HE HAS WORKED on various tasks at the base, kept things in order, stepped in where needed and contributed practical experience.

“We will notice that he is no longer working here,” says Petter Ludvigsen, head of the technical duty team.

Vik did not come to Farmar with formal qualifications, but with a long life at sea behind him.

“I have no education, but the school of life has taught me a great deal,” he says.

Behind him are years as a skipper, mate and engineer. He has also operated the pilot boat.

IN TRUTH, IT WAS never the plan for him to work every day. He had, after all, almost reached retirement age when he started.

“I was only supposed to be here for two or three hours now and then, but it turned into almost full-time work,” says Vik.

That is what can happen when you both enjoy the work and are trusted. At Farmar, he was able to shape much of his own working day. He came and went as needed, took responsibility and found his place in the team.

WHEN ASKED WHAT has been the best thing about working at Farmar, the answer comes quickly.

“The tasks, the freedom, the social side and fantastic people. And John Willy has been a stand-up guy.”

John W. Nilsen, Managing Director of Farmar, says Odd Vik has been an important part of the company’s working environment.

“At Farmar, it is important for us to make it possible for people to work in the company, whether they are young or old, and regardless of background. Odd is a good example of what experience, willingness to work and good humour mean in practice,” says Nilsen.

HE MAKES NO secret of the fact that the farewell is a sad one.

“It is sad that Odd is leaving. At the same time, he is of course welcome to drop by if he feels like working a little now and then. We always need good people,” says Nilsen.

For his colleagues, the gathering was an opportunity to say thank you.

The man of the hour himself tried to keep his emotions at a slight distance.

“It is quite a wistful day,” he says.

“You seem a little moved?”

“No, I’m just full of a cold,” Vik replies with a smile.