It was the end of an era at a recent Parry Sound Town Council meeting.
Chief Administrative Officer Rob Mens had presided over his last meeting for the Town prior to his official departure October 12th.
Parry Sound Mayor Jamie McGarvey praised Mens for not only his work with the town but also the charitable works he has achieved over the years.
“On behalf of council I would like to commend him on his years of service for the Town of Parry Sound as the CAO,” offered McGarvey at the end of the October 2nd council meeting. “That 20 years of service is outstanding considering how short-lived the careers of some CAO’s can be.”
“Thank you very much for the contributions to the community,” he continued. “The Georgian Jumpers, you are involved with community churches and a variety of different things.
“Some people don’t know he and (wife) Ruth and others actually put on community dinners so that children could be fed in the community to give them full bellies.”
“We wish you all the best on your future endeavours.”
Men’s responded following a warm ovation from the assembled council and observers.
“I would really like to thank council and staff,” he said. “The relationship I have had particularly with this council has been exceptional.
“I think so many other CAO’s would give their left arm to have that kind of relationship that senior staff does with council.
“And I have been in a lot of situations with dysfunctional councils in other communities.
“I think it is based on trust and respect council has for each other, but also staff. You can just get so much more done that way. It just lends itself to more stability.”
Men’s went on to reveal his stay was to have been a short one with Parry Sound.
“I was supposed to be here for six months and never thought my last council meeting would be some twenty and a half years later,” he said with a laugh. “That was not the plan at the time but it has certainly worked out excellent for me.”