It was the end of an era for a renowned local automobile dealership recently as it farewelled the son of the company’s original founder.

After more than 35 years of loyal service to the Barry Maney Group, which was founded by his father and company namesake Barry Maney, Dennis Maney has retired.

Dennis has been described by the team at the Barry Maney Group as loyal, supportive, trustworthy, and honest.

Dennis said the journey started in 1976 when his father took over the Ford dealership in Mount Gambier in Railway Terrace and started Barry Maney Ford.

“I have always had a link to the family business, along with my brother Kym who also worked in the business for many years,” he said.

“Starting myself in 1980, previous to this I used to help out a bit after school detailing vehicles, then had various roles and some short stints away before starting as a spare parts interpreter towards the end of 1988, then transitioned to a truck parts specialist around the mid 1990s which I have held to this day.

“I am very proud of the legacy my father created with the Barry Maney Group and I have always tried to live by his values in work and life in general with treating people of all walks of life with decency and respect.

“I have enjoyed the whole journey including the last few years working for the Crawford family, the spare parts department are a great team to work with and are in good shape for the future.”