As the first in a series about the varied experiences of retirees in our community, we look at two local men who have seen much of life through the lens of a camera Burr Lewis, Democrat and Chronicle photojournalist Retiring at 60-years-old, Burr Lewis hasn't lost his sense of purpose, but he has lost his credentials. "Retiring was one of the hardest things I've ever done," said Lewis, a well-respected photojournalist with the Democrat and Chronicle for 35 years. Lewis said one of the first issues he had to cope with after retirement was that he no longer had the access to exciting events that he had as a professional. "I've seen the human heart held in a hand, I've flown on every aircraft known to man, and I've photographed every president but Nixon during my career," said Lewis. By cleaning out his locker and returning his press credentials, a professional career that Lewis admits was beyond any of his wildest expectations, came to an abrupt end. He believes he had no other option. Lewis, a self-described workaholic, had a major heart attack about a year-and-a-half ago. Fortunately, there was no damage to the heart, but when he returned to work Lewis realized that something was wrong. "Stress had always been a great motivator to me," said Lewis explaining the high expectations he heaped on his shoulders to be the best photographer. "I found that (after he returned to work) stress had become a great burden to me." Lewis said he realized that he couldn't perform up to his own expectations and so he walked away. "Thank God my wife and I had saved up enough money to retire early," Lewis said. Immediately after retiring from the D&C he began his own business, Photography By Burr. Lewis said he is taking on small, mostly commercial projects and has decided for the time being to keep his workload light. Since his wife, Peggy Jo, still works for Spencerport Central Schools, Lewis quickly found that he was missing the regular interaction with people that he experienced during his career. "I love to meet people," Lewis said. "It felt like my whole adult life was taken away." A friend recommended to Lewis that he put in a call to Enterprise Rent-A-Car. He has become part of the company's network of retirees who help transport cars across the country. Lewis said this work has helped to fill a void and is convenient because he has full control over the days he works. "Do I like retirement? Yes, but my definition is a little bit different from what appears in a dictionary," Lewis said. "My terminology is not having to go to a pre-determined job where someone is going to dictate to me what I'm going to do." And what Lewis is going to do has changed since Peggy Jo began her summer vacation. The couple has taken time to travel and enjoy their summer cottage. They are also discussing bigger trips to take in the future. But retirement for Lewis is far from what most people would call relaxing. He rises at 4 a.m. every morning (45 minutes later than when he worked at the newspaper) and each morning includes a two-mile walk and several chores. Before heading out the door for his walk, he loads his pockets with dog biscuits. This routine has made him quite popular among the neighborhood canines. "There are dogs two blocks away that know my routine better than I do." Lewis said. Lewis completes a long list of work before most people roll out of bed. Lately the rest of the day is being spent researching motor homes. "Everything I do I have to beat it to hell," Lewis said. Deciding on the right motor home to purchase is no exception. Lewis said he has done a ton of reading, talking to fellow retirees and visiting dealerships. The process began over a year ago. The idea of investing in something of this magnitude feels a little foreign to Lewis. "I'm at a point where I'm afraid to spend the money," Lewis said. "I don't know why. We have saved our entire life." Lewis said he has gained some confidence through the urging of his financial advisor. "Retirement is an ongoing educational project," Lewis said. "Every day you have to educate yourself as to how to do something now that you are retired." Lewis sees the motor home as the key to great adventures with Peggy Jo. He has many getaways planned including the Rocky Mountains, New Mexico and maybe Alaska. Lewis plans to photograph the many sights along the way. He would love to put together a coffee table book, or even just sell his pictures to a stock photography warehouse. Thoughts of traveling together stir a passion in Lewis to rival the passion he had as a photojournalist. "My wife always says I'm just dreaming," Lewis said. "We're going to get in that motor home and dream our way across the United States."
As he sits on his front porch overlooking Hilton's main street, Walter Horylev recognizes that today is no ordinary day. "I don't have anything planned for today," Horylev said, as he follows up with a confession. "If I don't leave the house at least once a day for something I assume that I am not doing something I should be." It is probably a safe bet that even today he will find something that has to be done and probably before noon rolls around. At the age of 77, Horylev is in his 18th year of retirement. As the long-time Kodak employee talks about life as a retiree, he acknowledges that there has been little slow down for him. Horylev left his job as a quality leader for Kodak's Ektacolor paper in April of 1987 after spending two-and-a-half years in England. "At that time they were offering packages to leave and I realized that the difference between working 60 hours a week and not working at all wasn't much in terms of financial compensation," Horylev said. At 59 years old he walked away from the corporate world, but he hasn't missed an opportunity to work since. He keeps busy as a freelance photographer (the bulk of his work is for Westside News Inc.) His loving wife, Sharlee, considers herself to be his "live-in secretary," taking down messages and helping to keep his schedule straight. "I couldn't do everything that I do if she wasn't so understanding and supportive," Horylev said. When he isn't out on a photo shoot, Horylev divides his time between teaching photography for Hilton's continuing education program, serving as the vice mayor of Hilton, working on an economic development committee and an enhancement committee, singing (with Sharlee) in St. Leo's Church choir and volunteering on several other projects including the upcoming 25th anniversary of the Hilton Apple Festival, where he helps organize the photography contest. It's in the genes," he laughs, but there is truth in this quip. Horylev is in excellent shape, still working out twice a week, golfing in the summer and thinking seriously about renewing his passion for bicycling. He and Sharlee have made many bicycle trips to Hamlin Beach and have even cycled 540 miles around Lake Ontario. "That was a great trip," Horylev said. "We left without even knowing where we would stay each night." When he's not thinking about cycling, he could be having hoop dreams. Horylev misses the days of playing organized basketball, but knows he was fortunate to be able to enjoy the game through the age of 65. The good genes that run in the family, his mother who is 97 years old lives at Hilton East, have definitely made his retirement rich. His interest in photography has spanned four decades and was really developed while working at Kodak. Horylev joined a camera club and still meets regularly with former colleagues who are interested in photography. Horylev tries to read all he can to stay current in the field and enjoys the challenge that comes with being a photojournalist. "The biggest challenge is to get photos that are appropriate for the paper," Horylev said. "I always try to present people in a positive manner. I never want to compromise someone." Horylev can be seen at many local festivals taking pictures and he enjoys sharing his photos. He also finds time to work as a judge at photography competitions. "Photography is a big part of my life," Horylev said. "With the photography I get to see things and talk with people which helps me with my other pursuits." One of those serious pursuits is the time he devotes to the village. Horylev said he loves the community where he has lived since the early 50s. "Since I retired I have been able to make up time," Horylev said. "I try to help make Hilton everything that it can be." Horylev is proud of his role as a board member and especially in the recent completion of a plan that provides a vision for Hilton's downtown for the next 50 years. Horylev's vision for the future is to continue to stay active and to keep enjoying life with Sharlee. The couple has seven children, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. "I always try to find something to push me," Horylev said. "I never envisioned myself as being a couch potato." Note: To suggest a subject for our life after retirement series contact Westside News Inc. at any of the addresses printed on page 4 of our newspapers each week. |
