When Arlie Smith, a Costco employee was diagnosed with terminal bone cancer, his family, friends, co-workers and even customers were all devastated that he only has two more years to live.

Having worked for the wholesale warehouse chain for over two decades, the 45-year-old Smith has established a wonderful rapport with a lot of Costco customers in Danville, California, according to KTVU.

"He's always at the door, he's always giving receipts, he's always smiling, always happy. And people refer to him as the Costco guy," said customer Steve Maurer.

So Costco's loyal customers, who calls themselves "Arlie's Angels" decided to pool together and surprise one of their favourite store workers with a surprise vacation. They showed up at the store and presented Smith with $2,500 so that he and his wife Shari could go to their favourite getaway in Laguna Beach.

"We're all here today because we love you so much," said customer Bridgette Loughnane. "We got people donating $10, $20, up to $500 so you'll go and have four nights at your favourite place in Laguna Beach."

Smith was brought to tears because of the kind gesture. "They're priceless, they're irreplaceable," he said about his customers. "Everything that's done for me and the love that's shown for me, every day, it's astounding. I mean, people don't have this great of a life, really."

People who see and talk to Smith are simply amazed by his positive outlook in life. "I don't think I ever saw him grapple with the 'why me?' I mean he went immediately to finding a bigger purpose for what he can do," said Lee Loughnane.

His wife added that despite his diagnosis, Smith has "been happy and enthusiastic."

For that, Smith can only say: "How can you possibly be ungrateful in my situation? How can you possibly take this for granted?"