By Katherine Svenkeson

Co-op employee’s kindness shared by thousands

Feb 10, 2016 | 5:04 PM

A local resident was shocked by how popular her Facebook post about a Co-op gas attendent became.

Kandis Riese posted about Larry Ahenakew saying he always provided her great service every time she stopped in. She described him as “always smiling and polite and efficient.”

It seems a lot of people had the same kind of experience with Ahenakew because in less than two days the Facebook post gained over 2,500 likes and almost 400 shares.

“I was floored. I was shocked. I was like, ‘wow.’ So many people shared the post, liked the post and commented the same experience they had with Larry,” Riese said.

Akhenew often knows all his customers by name. He’s always cordial, smiling and, Riese said, a great role model to everyone he serves.

Event Centre funding

City may hire lobbyist for event centre money

7h ago

International honours

Raiders' Kubiesa to represent Czechia at IIHF U18 Men's World Championship

10h ago

Learn the signs

How often should you change your brakes?

14h ago

“I think if Larry were having a bad day you would never know it,” Riese said. “I think he sets a good example for the rest of us. I have…said to myself before I need to do the Larry thing more often.”

 “I’ve just been through a lot in my life,” Ahenakew said. “I hate seeing people fighting – fighting all over the world and what not – enough is enough. Just get along and have fun and enjoy life.”

Some of the comments about Ahenakew.

Mary McCharles: He’s the kind of person people need in their lives! Even for a few minutes.. I too recommend a visit to the coop gas station and say Hi to him.. He’s great, my girls and I got along with him instantly. It’s almost as if we’ve known him for years, chatted for awhile and left with a smile 

Kevin Roberts: We always go to his till when he’s working, as we gas up there regularly before hitting the highway north. We too can verify that Larry is an awesome employee and is always providing us with great customer service as well. It all started out when he asked me, “do you have brother named Larry?”, to which I answered ‘yes’ to. Apparently these two Larry’s struck up a friendly conversation at the store. Small world, no doubt. I think Larry’s smiles, greetings and character brings in customers and keeps them coming back! It’s not too often you get to experience this!

Sherylee Shines Hagglund: Love stopping at the coop and knowing he’s there. Such a fabulous person and great customer skills. 

Ksvenkeson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter @Ksvenkeson