Longtime Geary Community Hospital surgeon Dr. Charles Bollman met with friends and employees at the hospital during his retirement reception Friday afternoon.

Bollman told a large audience he was speechless. “I can’t be more appreciative of everything in the hospital, all the doctors that I’ve worked with, especially the nurses, and all the support from the hospital. It’s been a great 43 years. I honestly am very humble and sincerely appreciate everything.”

Hospital CEO Dr. Joseph Stratton stated,”I don’t know how you say thank you to someone who has been in your community, has worked and helped heal people for 43 years.” He presented Bollman with a silver tray, and a photograph that featured an aerial view of the hospital and was signed by all of the hospital employees.

Bollman’s retirement is effective at the end of June.