ISU locksmith Gortcinsky to retire after 22 years

Ron Gortcinsky, locksmith for Idaho State University, is retiring Oct. 15.  A farewell get-together is planned for Wednesday, Oct. 10, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Facilities Services Building #18.

Gortcinsky began his employment as ISU locksmith on July 1, 1985.    He had always been curious about how locks worked; so, in 1964, he took a correspondence course from the Locksmithing Institute of Little Falls, New Jersey.  The course was accredited through the New Jersey education system.  At that time passing the course was all that was necessary to receive a certification.  He pursued locksmithing as a hobby, doing small jobs for friends and acquaintances.

In 1965 Gortcinsky joined the Idaho State Police and was assigned to the Pocatello area.  He worked at the State Police Port of Entry at Inkom for 20 months and was then assigned patrol duty.  He was with the State Police for 12 years.  

Gortcinsky comments, “Assuming the locksmith duties at the University was quite a challenge.  There were about 33 major buildings and lots of locks, all master-keyed to some degree. I took another correspondence course from the Foley-Belsaw Institute to brush up on master key systems.”

He has seen a lot of changes in the ISU keying and lock industry. The ISU Key Shop now services about 100 buildings and there are many state and federal regulations that affect the way buildings are keyed, such as Life Safety and ADA regulations. He introduced the higher security key systems to the University, such as the Schlage Primus and Everest systems to provide better security and safety.

Gortcinsky says, “I have very much enjoyed my time as the University Locksmith.  My decision to retire has been a bit agonizing.  I know I am going to miss it a lot.”

Gortcinsky and his wife, Kay, have been married for 47 years. They have 2 daughters and 8 grandchildren.

Ron comments their travel plans will include visiting their children and grandchildren, which have become scattered all around the country. One grandson is serving with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan.  Any further plans are indefinite at this time.

If any questions, please call Facilities Services at 282-2209.