Stewart Everett has been a familiar face at the Gresford service station on Durham Road for close to six decades.

Stewart’s son Scott and his wife Kim both work at the servo along with their children Thomas and Olivia.

Now the Everett family will say goodbye to their customers with new owners taking over later this month.

Stewart, who was born and raised in the Gresford area, became a mechanic after attending Maitland Boys High.

He bought what was a panel beating shop on April 1, 1960 with business partner Hilton Collison.

The site’s previous incarnation had been a picture theatre.

At that time Stewart and his wife Valda had daughter Jo and later welcomed sons Bradley and Scott into their family.

Stewart later bought out his partner and ran Stewart Everett Mitsubishi on the site.

As well as a mechanical repair business and petrol station the business became a Chrysler and later Mitsubishi agent with a showroom out the front.

“I sold a lot of people their first car,” said Stewart, recalling the days when he had just two models on show and people waited months to get their car shipped from the US.

“They were different times back then,” he said.

“The Gresford area had about 30 dairy farms in the district then.”

Scott has plans to go into retail with he and Kim continuing to live in the area while their children attend university in Newcastle.

“We have had a lot of good customers and made some lasting friendships,” said Kim.

“We thank the community for their support and hope they will continue to support the new owners.”

Nathan McInnes and Phillip Clements have bought the business which they will rename Gresford Garage and Rural. 

As well as mechanical repairs and servicing, rego checks and fuel they will offer a range of mowers, brush cutters, irrigation and farm supplies, 4WD accessories, produce, firewood, drinks and confectionery.

To celebrate the opening of Gresford Garage & Rural, Nathan and Phillip will hold a  free sausage sizzle on Monday Jauary 28 from 11.30am - 2.30pm.