The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Most of us can only dream of having millions of dollars pass through our hands by the time we retire. And although she didn't actually get to keep the cash, Sophie Riehl has done just that. Riehl, the central teller for the RBC Finance Group, retires today after 31 years in banking, most of it spent counting legal tender. "I love my job," said Riehl. "A lot of the people I'm working with now, I have worked with for many, many years, so it's almost like a family." As central teller, Riehl oversaw all of the cash within the bank, counting the bills and coins as they passed through. Her duties also included ordering and shipping out cash when required. Riehl has served in other capacities, including bank teller, during her career within RBC Financial Group (formerly Royal Bank), but came to like central telling the most. A year out of high school in 1955, she moved from her hometown of Dauphin to Regina to work in that city's main Royal Bank branch. She was transferred to Flin Flon the following year. In 1957, Riehl left the bank to raise her family but she still had years of service ahead of her. She returned to the local branch in 1975, where she has been ever since. Over the years, Riehl has seen many changes in the banking world, most notably the advent of Automated Teller Machines and debit cards. She said this technology has noticeably reduced the foot traffic coming into the bank. See 'Busy' P.# Con't from P.# "Company paydays used to be very busy," said Riehl. "At one time, the Company didn't deposit the cheques into the workers' accounts, so the guys would come in after work and the banks would just be full of people standing in line to cash their cheques. The line-ups used to lead out the door." The central teller has also seen less cash come into the bank in recent years as more people take to using their debit cards for transactions. But despite the increasing prevalence of high-tech computers, Riehl believes as long as there's cash, banks will need human hands to count it. "There always has to be someone who controls the cash," she said. The new face behind the central teller glass starting Monday will be Bev Docjak, yet her predecessor won't be forgotten anytime soon. "We're really going to miss Sophie," said assistant manager Yvonne Harvie. "She's put a lot into the job, she's been here a long time, and she's got a wealth of knowledge." Riehl admitted she's going to have a tough time leaving the bank but felt the timing was right to bid farewell to her working days. Among the activities that will help her stay active in retirement are her involvement with groups like the Legion Ladies Auxiliary and North Star Rebekah Lodge. Like a lot of retirees, she also plans to work in her garden and visit family. "I'll keep busy," she smiled. RBC Financial Group is hosting a special celebration today at the bank in honour of Riehl's retirement. Customers are welcome to stop by between 1-4 p.m.
