An iconic worker at McDonald's with downs syndrome is saying goodbye to the fast-food chain after serving the locals for 32 years. Russel O’ Grady was 18 years old when he became an employee at Northmead McDonalds in Sydney back in 1986.

Popularly known as ‘the best-known person in Northmead’ Russell, gracefully did his duties which involved Cleaning tables and greeting customers.

Now aged 50, many customers have been saddened by his departure some of which made regular trips to the restaurant just to see him.

McDonald's supervisor Courtney Purcell had great things to say about the retiring veteran.'We've got regular customers who come in to see Russell on Thursday and Friday, and the staff looks after him, so we're going to miss him,' she said.

Russel’s family could not be any prouder of his career achievements. His brother certainly had nice things to say about him.
'He's kind of blasé about it but loves his work very much. He's pretty cheeky sometimes. He's my big brother and he keeps me in line,' he said.

'He's very affectionate, dearly loved and appreciated, to such an extent that we just don't believe it.' Added Geoff O’ Grady, the beloved employee’s father. 

Russel’s achievements and resilience has changed his father’s outlook on life
'Somebody once said to him ''are you handicapped?'' and his answer was ''I used to be when I went to school, but now I work at McDonald's'',' he said.

Mr. O’Grady career journey started at the local restaurant, during a time when disabled people rarely got recruited into the workforce. His hard work, however, paid off when he moved to McDonald's and secured a job due to his experience and recommendation from his former boss.

While at MacDonald’s, he was assigned packing party boxes and even tried other duties in the restaurant.

Russell is among hundreds of other disabled people who have benefited from Job support- a program that trains and puts to job disabled individuals.

After an excellent career, Mr. O’ Grady decided to retire and focus on his health. While at it, he’s certainly going to become frequent at Northmead Bowling Club where he will be spending the bulk of his time bowling. His is a simple but happy and fulfilling life, what more could a human want?