Salt Lake Neighbors Thank Longtime Mailman With Block Party
Sep 27, 2019, 11:03 PM | Updated: Jul 15, 2023, 11:05 am
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Residents of a neighborhood on the east side of Salt Lake City gathered in large numbers Friday evening to say thank you to a mailman who had dutifully worked on their streets for nearly three decades.
Floyd Youngbauer first started delivering mail to the area around Westmoreland Drive back in 1991 and over time, he left his stamp on the hearts of neighbors.
“Floyd was the man!” said Charsti Merrill, who trekked from a few streets over to attend the block party on Youngbauer’s honor. “He knows everybody’s name, he knows everybody’s dog’s name, he knows everybody’s kids’ names—he knows everybody.”
Merrill said Youngbauer became a face to remember because he took the time to care about those on his route.
“I’ve just heard story after story of Floyd helping—like changing a tire, or helping someone who was building a balcony hold up a beam,” said Jill Love, who coordinated the event. “We’ve just kind of developed a personal relationship with him. He’s our ‘Mr. Rogers,’ everyone is saying.”
Neighbors shared food and memories with Youngbauer, who thanked everyone for the effect they had on his life.
Even people who had moved away returned to the neighborhood to say goodbye.
“It has been a very, very fulfilling life—my life—having you guys in it,” Youngbauer told the crowd. “I just want you to know I love all of you and you’ll always be in my heart and I’ll always dream about you guys—because I always do dream about somebody on my route. I want to thank you for being here and showing me your love.”
The crowd reacted to those comments with a loud cheer.
“It makes me feel good that their love was real, that friendships are real,” Youngbauer said afterward. “It wasn’t just delivering their mail and forgetting it. We have a bond.”
Merrill said she would never forget Youngbauer and will miss him on the route.
“He takes the time and it is rare and it’s a gift and I wish we had it more,” Merrill smiled.