BOISE- The people who cut our hair often times become our friends. One barber has been that person for five decades in the Treasure Valley.
"I've been doing this for 51 years," Joe Orton said. "We have a lot of fun here."
Orton loves his job. Conrad Colby has been going to him for 25 years, and says a good haircut and the laughter always keeps him coming back.
"I think this sort of shop really plays a role in mental health," Colby said. "You want to know about people's lives talk to their hairstylist or barber."
Things are changing soon inside the Continental Barber Salon. The last time Colby sat in Orton's chair he learned that he was going to retire.
"I went home and told the wife and there was sadness," Colby said. "It's been a big part of my life."
Orton's customers have been a big part of his life too.
"One thing about retirement is missing all the people," he said. "You watch each other grow young. We don't use the other word."
Teresa Landis has worked next to Orton for six years. He calls her his vice president.
"We have been partners through a lot," Landis said.
Although she'll miss their banter and his stories, she also knows along with everyone else who knows Orton that he's earned his time.
Orton's last day will be Friday, April 27. There will be an open house at Continental Barber Salon on 6001 W Overland Road in Boise from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. that day. Everyone who has met Orton is encouraged to stop by and celebrate his retirement.