After over 40 years of public service, District of Squamish manager Bob Kusch is retiring.
Kusch spent nine of those years in a variety of management positions in Squamish, and was recently given broader responsibilities in his new role of engineering and parks general manager as outlined in the recently released Squamish Service Initiative.
During the Tuesday (July 6) council meeting, Mayor Greg Gardner announced Kusch's retirement.
In an interview with The Chief, Kusch said it was time to slow down a bit.
"I have had a great run in municipal government and it is time to slow down and enjoy my life while I can," said Kusch.
He began his career in West Vancouver in the parks and recreation department and remained with the municipality for 28 years moving his way up through the organization to his position as recreation manager.
In 1995, he joined the District of Squamish as parks and recreation director.
Kusch fulfilled that role for three years before joining the Resort Municipality of Whistler parks and recreation department. He still lived in Squamish and returned to the district in 2004 as manager of parks, recreation and tourism.
Although he is officially retiring, he plans to work part-time a consultant for this and other municipalities.
"I'm looking forward to taking it a little bit easier," he said. "Working for municipalities is a little like being in a pressure cooker and it will be nice to have some of that pressure off."
Chief administrative officer (CAO) Kevin Ramsay said he's happy for Kusch, and relieved Kusch would still be involved in several Squamish initiatives.
"I am absolutely thrilled that Bob is retiring, as he promises to help the district out with some of our outstanding issues," said Ramsay. "This is how retirement is supposed to happen, slowing down the pace, but not walking away.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bob for his dedication to the District of Squamish, particularly with his assistance in the Service Squamish Initiative transition. We look forward to working with Bob in his new role as a consultant."
Gardner also commended Kusch on the essential role he played in Squamish.
"Kusch has added tremendous value to the district during his time here," said Gardner.
Kusch said he plans to hit the golf course again in his time off.
When asked what he would miss most, Kusch said it would be the people he works with.
"I've been blessed to work with great people and that's the hardest thing to walk away from," he said. "So I think this is an ideal way to semi-retire and still be in contact with those people who have really impacted me as a person."
He said he loves the community and is excited about the direction it's going.
"I'm glad I could be, and still will be in some way, involved."
