Retired couple pitches in

LEWISTON - Ivan Lazure spent four years in the U.S. Navy and nearly three decades working for Bath Iron Works before he retired with aching muscles and a lifetime of accomplishments.

His wife, Lucille, was a nurse for years before multiple sclerosis forced her to leave the profession.

You'd think a couple with a long work history would relax for a little bit. Maybe take a long vacation. Perhaps just sit around and do nothing at all.

"We did a little bit of that," Ivan said. "We went out and did some kayaking. We kind of took it easy."

But the period of leisure did not last long. When you have spent a lifetime working your tail off for others and helping those in need, it's hard to quit.

The Lazures went back to work almost immediately. With no paychecks or expectations of reward.

"I think part of it is our Christian upbringing," Ivan said. "We want to help our neighbors. We want to help any way we can."

He ditched the lazy life of retirement almost as soon as it began. An amateur radio operator, he and his circle of ham friends began working with hospitals around the state, helping them prepare for emergencies through the magic of radio.

Meanwhile, Lucille emerged from a period of down time as she recovered from MS. She started to feel better. The nurturing nature, instilled during her career in nursing, had not left her.

"I got treatment and it gave me more energy," Lucille said. "I wanted to do something. I was all rested up and getting bored."

The Lazure couple went to work for St. Mary's Regional Medical Center, volunteering to help in any way they could.

Ivan works two days a week keeping track of equipment that is borrowed and returned to the hospital. He uses his experience with the computer program Excel to keep a careful inventory of the crutches and canes, wheelchairs and walkers that come and go.

"We have quite a bit of equipment that's been donated," he said. "We have 180 pieces of equipment and right now; 60 of them have been signed out."

The equipment needs to be cleaned once it has been returned. Ivan is there to do it, working a job that doesn't cost the hospital or its patients a dime. Giving the gift of time and know-how because he wants to. It is nothing more complicated than that.

He also spends part of his days delivering mail to the hospital staff and patients. This is where Ivan gets to employ his charm, instead of the mechanical skills he has developed over his years.

"While I'm delivering the mail, I'm walking through the halls of the hospital. I say hello to people. I run into friends," he said. "I just keep a big smile on my face. I try to make other people smile. It doesn't take that much, sometimes."

Lucille does the same. She works at the front desk and greets people who come into the hospital. Nearby is a sign that says: "Director of First Impressions."

Lucille takes it to heart.

"I want people to feel as good as they can," she said.

The difference between the Lazures and the working men and women of the hospital environment is this: The Lazures don't collect paychecks at the end of the week. They don't expect thanks or promotions. They do it because they want to.

The Lazures, says Rose Gamache, office secretary of Volunteer Services at St. Mary's, "have been absolutely wonderful and flexible in providing their services so graciously."