A small crowd packed the Sarah Winnemucca Conference Room December 21 to
say their goodbyes to Eddy Davis, the much-loved controller at Humboldt
General Hospital.
Davis retired the following day, on December 22, after more than 23 years
at HGH; there were plenty of jokes regarding a possible return since Davis
already left the hospital about 10 years ago to work for the City of Winnemucca—a
mini-career that lasted for six years before his return to HGH.
But somehow, those gathered sensed this was the real thing and Davis would
not be returning—at least as a staff member. The longtime Winnemucca
resident will soon make his residence in Sparks.
Humboldt General Hospital CFO Sandi Lehman presented Davis with a retirement
plaque, chocolates, balloons and a check representing $100 for every year
of service at Humboldt General Hospital.
Additionally, the group enjoyed a delicious chocolate cake—Davis’s
favorite—as well as the chance to share plenty of well-wishes.
But it was Davis who took the floor to share some of his memories working
under six administrators and seeing the hospital transform from an institution
that struggled to meet payroll at times to one that now approaches the
$100 million mark.
Davis even shared that at one point he purchased his own desk as the hospital
had no funds to do so. He also lamented the nearly two dozen times he
had to move his office due to construction and other circumstances.
While there were plenty of laughs—one of Davis’s specialties—there
were also some tears. “There are so many good people here,”
said Davis.
Davis began his long history with HGH in 1986 when he was hired by then-administrator
Ed Hanssen. While Davis’s titles have ranged from accountant to
chief financial officer to controller, his quick wit and his kindness
have never wavered—something many co-workers pointed out.
Not only that, but CFO Lehman said Davis is a work horse whose shoes will
be difficult to fill. She noted that when Davis returned to the hospital
following his time at the city, she wasn’t sure a controller position
was needed.
Now, Lehman joked that two people might be needed to fill the responsibilities
that one Davis assumed.
“You will be missed,” she added.