Hi, I have changed/obfuscated a couple of details, but wanted to ask advice on a tricky/sensitive situation. I have worked with someone for many years. I am not personally/socially friends with him, but we have known each other for a long time at the workplace and have always got on there.
He is retiring. It would have been near his retirement age anyway, but he has brought it forward and is retiring suddenly because of some tragic family circumstances. What does one write on the retirement card? Congratulations on your retirement seems crass when it wasn't his choice to retire right now, the usual stuff about enjoying your retirement is not appropriate under the circumstances, and commiserations on a family tragedy seems out of place on a retirement card. I am a bit stumped. Anyone have any advice?