Community Bids Farewell To Long-Time Resident

By BOBBIE GREEN

The Progress

It was 1999 when Keith Buchhalter, an immigrant from Guatemala, first moved to the Virgin Valley with his family. Today, as he says “with a heavy heart,” Buchhalter and his wife are moving on to new adventures and a new job in Brookings, Oregon.

Buchhalter went to work for Overton Power District #5 in Mesquite, as a front desk customer service representative. Being bi-lingual he was able to be a big help to the Spanish speaking community. The caring and friendly person he is, it did not take long to work his way up the ladder at OPD5.

More than 18 years later, Buchhalter is the Customer Service and Public Affairs Supervisor. Two daughters have graduated from Virgin Valley High School. Buchhalter and his wife Misty have installed themselves into the hearts of the community.

“Keith has been a very valuable part of our team for eighteen years,” said OPD5 General Manager Mendis Cooper in an interview with The Progress. “I appreciate him, not only for his hard work, but for his honesty and good attitude; and for the smile that is always on his face.”

Buchhalter will leave a void not only at OPD5 but in many places throughout the city. He was very active in the Rotary Club of Mesquite, serving as president and even Assistant District 5300 Governor. He was chairperson on the Rotary Foundation Board.

In fact, Buchhalter served on many local organization boards. Next week their will be many vacant boards seats in town. Buchhalter is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and served on the Chamber board for a while. He helped out at the Virgin Valley Food Bank and the Salvation Army.

“Keith was just awesome in his job,” said Mesquite OPD5 Board Member Mike Young. “He was great at public relations and always helpful to everyone.”

“Leaving is bittersweet for me,” Buchhalter said. “After 23 years of making friends here and all our volunteer work, leaving is hard. But I am still young and Coos-Curry Electric Co-Op has made an offer I can’t refuse.”
“My wife and I have always wanted to live near the beach by the ocean,” Keith added. “This job is given us that opportunity. My kids are staying here and we plan to visit often.”

Keith expressed appreciation for the people of Mesquite. “We have felt such acceptance from the people of this community,” he said. “I just can’t relate how much we are grateful for that. Even though we are headed to new adventures, Mesquite is our home and we will always feel that way.”

Karen Fielding held an open house in Buchhalter’s honor on Wednesday to allow friends to say good-bye. Over eighty people showed up at the event.

The Rotary Club acknowledged Buchhalter’s departure at last week’s Tuesday meeting, with a cake made by one of the members. Incribed on the cake were the words: “There will be a power outage without you.” Even though the saying was meant for Rotary, it sounds like many in Mesquite feel the same way.
Vaya Con Dios, Amigo!