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Tom Millard honored with Golden Hammer award for 50 years of service
Sep 19, 2025 • Last updated Sep 19, 2025 •
Port Burwell’s Tom Millard (middle) was awarded the Golden Hammer for his remarkable 50 years with Home Hardware on September 17. Joining him in the photo are Dave Carpani, sales and service manager at Crompton Home Building Centre, Dale Mc Pherson, senior director of business development for the company, and Neil and Kevin Crompton, owners of Crompton Home Building Centre. Photo by Jacob Robinson
If Merriam-Webster needed a picture to go along with loyalty in their dictionary, Tom Millard would be an ideal choice.
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The Port Burwell native not only served as a Bayham firefighter (eventually becoming Chief) for four decades but also recently received the Golden Hammer award-an honor given to those who have been with Home Hardware for half a century.
<p Starting his journey at Tillsonburg’s Bilt Rite, which turned into Beaver Lumber and eventually led him to Crompton Home Building Centre in Delhi, Millard has been helping customers in both towns since 1975.
“It’s a special occasion – not a retirement party – he’s not allowed to skip work on Friday,” joked Dave Carpani, sales and service manager at Crompton.
“I’ve got a lot of respect and love for the man. There isn’t anything he wouldn’t do to help.”
The celebration included friends, family members, along with current and former coworkers. Store owners Neil and Kevin Crompton were there too, as well as Dale Mc Pherson from business development.
“(Tom has given) fifty years of commitment, expertise, and service,” stated Neil Crompton. “That kind of dedication is hard to find; it deserves our appreciation. Over these years, Tom has built not just a career but trust among customers, colleagues, and within the community. People know they can rely on him for advice and support. That kind of reputation is earned through daily efforts over many years.”
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A man who doesn’t say much, Millard acknowledged that he’s far from finished with his career.
“It’s a good place to work; I’m happy coming in every morning,” he said.
“I can’t retire; I just can’t make myself do it-I need something to keep me busy.” In his downtime,sMillard became an active member of his local fire department. He participated in many search-and-rescue missions as well as vehicle accidents and house fires-helping neighbors during tough times. “His kindness and interest in everyone are what makes him special,” said Carpani who transitioned from the print business to the Delhi store ten years ago. “Tom took me under his wing right away. His knowledge isn’t something you can easily find elsewhere-he taught me so much about electrical work plumbing issues , and building codes. He’s truly generous when sharing what he knows. When he was only working Monday , Wednesday , and Friday back then , he gave me his personal cell number saying if you’re ever stuck just give me a call.” This has not loaded yet , but your article continues below.
“I can’t retire; I just can’t make myself do it-I need something to keep me busy.” In his downtime,sMillard became an active member of his local fire department. He participated in many search-and-rescue missions as well as vehicle accidents and house fires-helping neighbors during tough times. “His kindness and interest in everyone are what makes him special,” said Carpani who transitioned from the print business to the Delhi store ten years ago. “Tom took me under his wing right away. His knowledge isn’t something you can easily find elsewhere-he taught me so much about electrical work plumbing issues , and building codes. He’s truly generous when sharing what he knows. When he was only working Monday , Wednesday , and Friday back then , he gave me his personal cell number saying if you’re ever stuck just give me a call.” This has not loaded yet , but your article continues below.
A lot of heartwarming stories about Millard came up during the event. One former coworker shared how before going on a trip to China , Millard offered him $1 ,000 -adding that he’d “give you the shirt off his back.” Another mentioned how workplaces felt like family because “he was like our father.” The speaker continued ,”He makes you feel safe at home.”
<Mc Pherson reminisced about an uncertain time when Home Hardware's head office briefly managed the Delhi location. “We depended on Tom as our manager,” he remembered. “We told him ‘Can you keep things running here?'” “The customers relied heavily on you during those late nights & early mornings.”“Fifty years is quite an achievement-you’ve reached an elite status,” added Mc Pherson.
As so many colleagues gathered around Millsd recalled countless memories flooding back – though most weren’t fit for sharing publicly!
“Some folks here I haven’t seen in ages while others were just last Monday,” he addressed attendees ,”I’m grateful , love all you guys lots! Got tons more stories-but some stay between us!”
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