Dear …
Thank you for the retirement __(dinner/party)__ held on behalf of the early retirees. It was a pleasure to enjoy the company of all those who attended the __(dinner/party)__. All the kind words spoken to me both personally and in the farewell speeches were greatly appreciated. And the gifts __(and flowers)__ I received were wonderful. Thank you.
It’s going to take some time now to get used to not getting up every morning and heading straight to __( Name of Organization)__. I hope my auto pilot stays reprogrammed so that I don’t accidentally show up for work there one day! All kidding aside, I am grateful for having had the __(privilege/opportunity/etc.)__ to be part of such a great __(company/organization/type of team/etc.)__ for __(length of time)__. And now as I move into this new chapter of my life, I really am looking towards it with enthusiasm!
Once again, thank you for the retirement __(dinner/party)__ and please accept my best wishes to each and every one of you. It was an honor to be celebrated in this way and I will never forget all you whom I enjoyed working with over the years.
Sincerely,