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Maintenance man working his 63rd National Western Stock Show

After more than 60 years on the job, Richie Perry may be the Stock Show's longest serving employee.
Richie Perry turns 82 on Friday. He's worked the National Western Stock Show for the past 63 years.

He has done just about every kind of job for the National Western Stock Show, from cleaning restrooms and shoveling fertilizer to clearing snow and mechanic work.

After more than 60 years on the job, Richie Perry may be the Stock Show's longest serving employee.

“Seeing old friends, meeting new friends – it’s just a happy place to be this time of year,” Perry said. “This is my sport.”

Richie Perry turns 82 on Friday. He's worked the National Western Stock Show for the past 63 years.

The Denver native was born and raised in the city’s Swansea neighborhood, just a few miles from the National Western Complex.

“It’s changed so much, it’s unreal,” Perry said. “This used to be out in the country. Now, it isn’t even the edge of town.”

Perry says he has tried to retire a few times, but got bored.

Richie Perry turns 82 on Friday. He's worked the National Western Stock Show for the past 63 years.

“You see so many interesting people and things happening,” Perry said. “You look forward to it.”

Perry turns 82 on Friday.

Since the Stock Show happens the same time each year, he hasn't had a birthday off since 1954, the same year he met his wife while working at the Coliseum.

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