BARRE, Vt. -
For Art Ristau, this Vermont Lottery Commission meeting is bittersweet-- that's because this meeting is his last. For the past 12 years, he's been a commissioner.
"I've enjoyed it very much," he said. "I might have even made an occasional contribution, you never know."
He's pretty much seen it all.
"In many ways it's been extraordinary, the dynamic nature of the lottery business has been a fascination because it's different now than it's been a dozen years ago," Ristau said.
The lottery is becoming more electronic and internet-based, but Ristau is from another era.
Reporter Gina Bullard: How did you know it was time to retire?
Art Ristau: I didn't really.
He says his intuition led the way. That intuition also gets him high marks from his co-workers.
"He's a very feeling individual, he's got perception-- something can be going on within yourself but he seems to sense it," co-worker Carole Lacasse said.
Ristau's first job was in third grade as a paper boy.
"I wanted to be an adult, but I don't know if I obtained that or not," he said.
Now, at 79, he's held 10 positions since.
"In 1992 I was the state liquor commissioner, secretary of transportation in Salmon administration and I was on Phil Hoff's staff back in the 60s. That was an exciting time," Ristau said.
Ristau came to Vermont in the 1960s as the state manager for the Associated Press. He's written several books and magazine articles throughout his lifetime. He's also been the City Manager in Barre and worked for Green Mountain Power-- a man of many talents would be an understatement.
"I think he's a very intelligent individual," Lacasse said. "He has a command of the English language that you wouldn't believe. Sometimes I have to look up the words he uses."
As far as retirement goes, Ristau plans to relax in Cape Cod with his wife, travel and spend lots of time with his grandchildren.
The Vermont Lottery has raised half-a-billion dollars in the past 35 years.
