Published February 2009
By Wendy Campbell
Retirement for most individuals suggests a time to relax and finally enjoy life at a slower pace, free from the hectic days associated with work and deadlines. Well, Keith Kahl who retired as an operation manager from AT&T after 31 years, must not have gotten his memo telling him what to do when you retire.
He currently works for the city of Gulf Shores and he delivers the Snowbirds Gulf Coast magazine to local businesses and delivery points each month.
“I really just work part-time, though it may seem like I am working a great deal,” Kahl said with a laugh. “I like working for the city of Gulf Shores. I help set up scenery and work the spotlights for special events and shows. I’ve been doing it for a little over 10 years. It’s more fun than work.”
Kahl also enjoys meeting and interacting with visiting celebrities.
“Two years ago I got to play golf with Pat Boone. He used my clubs and beat me. It was okay that he won because itwas a once in a lifetime memory that I have now.”
Kahl also met Roger Williams and Boots Randolph through his “fun” job, as he calls it.
“Boots was a great guy, lots of fun. He could really make you laugh,” he added. “Roger Williams was more laid-back and quiet, but he was very nice and it was fun to talk with him.”
But, Kahl’s true passion is playing golf.
“Even though I stay busy and still work a lot, I am retired because it is all about playing golf,” he said with a laugh. “While I’m down here I play as much as I can. I don’t mind the work because I have always liked to be busy. When I go back home to Wisconsin I am fully retired. There I pretty much play golf every day.”
When I’m home here I enjoy the beautiful weather and the wonderful people that live in this area. When I’m home there I enjoy spending time with my family. I enjoy my retirement, my golf, my family and friends and life in general.”
Kahl made his first trip to Orange Beach in the fall of 1993. He knew immediately that he wouldn’t be spending any more winter months in Wisconsin. In 1994 he joined the Wisconsin Sno-birds. He and his wife, , Georgina, now attend luncheons, meetings and special activities of the group.
“I enjoy the group,” he said. “It’s a time to visit and talk to people from home and catch up on what’s going on in our home state.”
Kahl is one of many winter visitors from the north who divide their time between their home state and the Alabama Gulf Coast. He and his wife of 18 years, Georgina, spend several months in Gulf Shores and the rest of the time they make their home in Cambridge, Wis.
After working for AT&T for 31 years, Kahl retired as director of operations in 1992. He spent over 12 years working in Asia. This is where he met his wife.
“Georgina is from Taiwan,” he said. “I met her while I was working for AT&T. Also while I was in Asia I met this guy who told me about the Alabama Gulf Coast and the wonderful weather and the beautiful beaches. I had told him that after living in Asia I didn’t think I would be able to take the cold Wisconsin winters. He suggested I take a trip to Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.”
