In Their 80’s And Still Working—Why Retirement Is Not For Everyone

May 24, 2012 - PRLog -- SPRING, TEXAS, MAY 14, 2012:  Most young people will tell you they cannot wait to retire.  85-year-old Bruce Dice and 82-year-old Bill Haley would say just the opposite.  They look forward to working as long as possible.  One is the president of Wadi Petroleum.  The other runs several companies. Not because they have to, but because they love their jobs.  They are not alone.  

According to the federal Bureau of Labor statistics, the number of people 75 and older who work has gone up more than 150% since 1990.  That means, about 1.2 million Americans are in the 75+ working club.

“I have good health, a good mind and I’m experiencing a sunny life,” said Bruce Dice, president and chairman of Wadi Petroleum.  “There’s something different going on all the time in this great adventure of my life.  It’s something I hate to give up.  I’d really miss it.”

Dice founded Wadi Petroleum nearly 20 years ago.  He works from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. most days, unless he is travelling.  Both of his sons work together at the company and operate the company as vice presidents.  Dice promised his wife, before she passed away from breast cancer, that he would keep the family together.  He plans to continue doing that by working happily with his sons in the oil business.

“We get to see each other every day, we feel strongly about family,” said Dice.  “I can stop whenever I want, but I have a full life and a wonderful outlook and I want to keep it to some degree, as long as I can.”

Dice does not take any money out of the company to pay himself.  He is extremely proud of the philanthropic work he can accomplish because of the success.  He is building a mineralogical museum at Calvin College in Michigan.  He is also a major benefactor at the Mayo Clinic.  

Fellow Village at Gleannloch Farms resident, Bill Haley, is also involved in the oil/investment business.  Haley is a jet aircraft pilot who manages a hangar at Hooks airport housing aircraft that perform pipeline control and ensure the safety of a major U.S. pipeline.  He has also purchased an industrial business park called the Houston Interchange and is very excited about marketing this new business venture.  His children hold down their own jobs as well as work with him in this new venture.

“It keeps me sane,” said Bill Haley.  “I run several companies out of one spot.  I just keep going.”

Haley’s wife is in Memory Support at The Village at Gleannloch Farms.  He eats dinner with her every night.  He says that continuing to work is good for his marriage and it also
helps pay the bills for his grandkids’ college education.  Haley does not plan to retire until his health forces him to make that decision.

“It gives me something else to do and think about,” said Haley, who is also his wife’s caregiver.  “It helps keep my marriage going.”  

The Village at Gleannloch Farms supports an active lifestyle.  The community is proud of its residents and their accomplishments.  

“Both men are extremely humble and they enjoy living at The Village at Gleannloch Farms,” said Kathy Johanns, executive director of The Village at Gleannloch Farms.  “Neither one wants to brag about his accomplishments.  They simply want the public to know life is an amazing journey at any age.  They spend most of their time focusing on their businesses and family.”
 
If want to set up an interview, call Amy Jones (214) 890-7912 ext. 30 or email at ajones@fortepr.com

ABOUT THE VILLAGE AT GLEANNLOCH FARMS
Sponsored and owned by Lutheran Social Services of the South, Inc., The Village at Gleannloch Farms is a not-for-profit community offering 123 independent living apartments and cottages for active adults aged 62 and above. In addition, the community offers a continuum of care including 30 assisted living apartments, 18 memory support residences, and 35 private skilled nursing suites.

Located at Champion Forest Drive and Northpointe Boulevard, the community is situated on 25 acres and is designed to resemble the property’s original architecture. Architect of the project, three architecture of Dallas, incorporated native Gleannloch Farms stone and wood overhangs, balconies, trellises and fences to promote a “countryside residence” exterior. The community’s interior, designed by Faulkner Design Group of Dallas, features arts-and-crafts period influences using wood paneling, stained glass and wood-beamed ceilings.

The community adds to the already extensive variety of residential housing options available in Gleannloch Farms. Other Gleannloch Farms amenities include a lakeside aquatic and athletic complex, equestrian center, championship golf course, hiking and biking trails, and highly acclaimed schools.

In addition to a full range of health care options, The Village at Gleannloch Farms offers a variety of resort-style amenities including landscaped courtyards, multiple dining venues, and common areas totaling over 148,000 square-feet. The common area spaces include a 100-seat chapel, library and business center, creative arts studio, full-service beauty salon and barbershop, heated outdoor saltwater pool and fitness center.
For information about The Village at Gleannloch Farms please visit the community web site at www.villageatgleannlochfarms.com, or call (877) 312-2140.

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