A fixture of the downtown Langley community is getting ready to say goodbye to the shipping business he’s owned for the past two decades.

Residents and visitors alike have had their pictures taken by George Guzman, who has used a large digital camera and a gray backdrop to take countless passport photos at his store, GHL Enterprises. He believes he may be the only one to offer this service on South Whidbey.

George’s store is also known as the place to drop off packages to be shipped, send faxes and make copies of keys.

People in the community have also relied on George to go above and beyond these services, which he has always done with a smile.

“I don’t even know how to put in words all he has done that is totally unconventional,” his wife, Monica Guzman, said.

As an example, she recalled the time a family vacationing to Hawaii had left some of their luggage behind and called George for help. George retrieved the suitcase from the family’s home, put it in a box and mailed it to the Aloha State.

George is turning 82 soon and looking forward to a much-deserved retirement. Monica said the couple has plans to visit George’s family in Chile.

“I would like to honor him after working so long and trying to do his best,” Monica said.

A local resident will be taking over the business in his absence, which he has owned since 2001.

“We’re really excited about it because the community needs it,” Monica said, adding that besides the Langley Post Office, options for shipping are limited in the Village by the Sea.

George’s last day on the job is March 31. The community is invited to send him off later that afternoon at GHL Enterprises, which is located at 220 Second Street, #101 in Langley.

A man of few words, George joked that out of all the things about the business, he’ll miss the money the most.

“I’m going to go home and count all the money I’ve made,” he said with a laugh.