With that outline, here's an example of a farewell speech in the context of somebody retiring after working at the XYZ corporation for 20 years.
I would like to thank each and every one of you for gathering here this evening. It was 20 years ago since I was hired to work at XYZ corporation. I was nervous at first, but there was just this huge abundance of fine people who helped me to get my groundings. This corporation could thrive on it'sfriendliness alone. That friendliness has rubbed off me since then.
But sadly, I must say that all things must come to an end. After 20 years of working for this wonderful corporation I need to retire. My health is not what it used to be and my family at home would like to see more of me. Don't get me wrong, there is certainly a big family at this corporation, and I will certainly miss that too.
Let me recount some of my favorite memories over the years. Do each of you recall at the 97 Christmas party when Larry showed up in a Santa suit and gave everyone surprise gifts? Or when the boss gave everyone the day off just because he was in a good mood? Wow, there's just too many good memories that I will leave behind.