Mechanics Glen Johnson and Doug Morrison have recently ended a successful working relationship spanning almost 40 years at the same Millicent workshop.

They had become colleagues in the service department at the then Millicent Mitsubishi in 1982 and stayed with the firm through its name change to Millicent Sales and Service.

After its closure they entered into a business partnership 13 years ago and formed Glendee Auto Repairs based on their names.

In the last few years, the pair were looking to leave the Williams Road business and it was listed for sale in 2020.

As a buyer could not be found to purchase the business as a going concern, the amicable decision was taken to close Glendee Auto Repairs.

Their last repair job was done in early December and then the contents of the workshop were readied for sale.

The freehold of the property is owned by interstate investors.

Mr Morrison is not certain about the next stage of his life but it is a fair bet that fishing will occupy a part of it. “I will take six months off and then ask me,” he said with a grin.

His association with the workshop began as teenager in 1979 when it was known as Millicent Chrysler. “I left school after breaking my leg,” he said.

“I grew up at Kongorong and did some farm work and planted pine trees. “I did my motor mechanics apprenticeship here and never left.”

On the other hand, Mr Johnson is now free to devote his time to motorbike riding and he is also a highly-regarded sports trainer and an in-demand Bowen massage therapist.

The son of a Tantanoola dairy farmer, his efforts have been recognised with life membership of the Mid South East Football League “I did my apprenticeship at Hopgood’s Garage in Mount Gambier,” he said. “I came here when it was Millicent Mitsubishi in 1982 and I have been here ever since.”

As some of the larger workshop items have been purchased by a local mechanic, Mr Johnson anticipates a new auto repair shop will open at another site in Millicent in 2021.

Meanwhile, the unique clearance sale of Glendee Auto Repairs was held on-site last week and around 20 bargain hunters and onlookers were present.

They purchased workshop manuals, drums of oil, tools and a host of sundry items.

An aluminium dinghy with oars fetched $245, while a pair of fire extinguishers were sold with a bid of $5.

Among the other offerings were an air hose (which sold for $16), a bucket of bolts ($6) and a nozzle tester ($20).

The sale was overseen by four staff from the Millicent branch of Elders.

Among them was stock agent Hayden Biddle who is on the move after three years at its Railway Terrace base.

The next posting with Elders for the Hatherleigh footballer and Furner/Beachport cricketer will be Murray Bridge.