In one week and two days Todd Wood is retiring after 45 years at the Skagit Valley Food Co-op. The only general manager the Co-op has ever known turns his keys and office over to Tony White Feb. 14.

Wood started as a volunteer at the Pine Street store in 1975. He was 21 and a recent arrival from Michigan. In 1978 he became one of three part-time staff. His early stipend was $60 weekly, whether he worked four or forty hours.

At the end of International Co-op Month in October, Wood reflected on his co-op’s future with the Weekly News.

“Co-ops’ appeal are highly value based. We have a mi...