Looking back, Greg Stowe wishes he would have started at Metro Transit sooner.

“After finishing vocational school, I found out that Metro Transit had programs to train people to be mechanics,” Stowe said. “I should have come here instead.”

In 1984, he started as a skilled helper and a few years later became a diesel mechanic. Stowe worked at a few garages before landing at Heywood Garage, where he worked for most of his career.

“Heywood was my home,” he said. “Over the years, I’ve watched a lot of changes. I’ve enjoyed the variety of what you do.”

Beyond seeing changes, he took part in helping make some of them as a member of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) executive board. After being appointed 14 years ago, he ran unopposed throughout his career.

Being a member of the board put him in a position to work with management and negotiations.

“We butted heads sometimes, but we always respected each other,” Stowe said. “It’s always best if we can work together as a team.”

Now, as he retires, it’s time for another person to take his place in the garage and on the board. After all these years, Stowe hopes his efforts are remembered.

“I gave it my best,” he said. “I hope I’ve made an impact on people’s lives and how we operate. But now it’s time to move on.”

In retirement, Stowe and his wife plan to spend time at their cabin up north and take care of his aging mother.