After 22 years of service with the Town of Ladysmith, Parks, Recreation and Culture director Pat Durban will be retiring at the end of the month.
“It was time,” he told the Chronicle last week. “I’ve enjoyed working with so many wonderful people and also working with some wonderful council people who are committed to this community.”
Durban, who grew up in Yellow Point and graduated from Ladysmith Secondary School in 1973, was first hired on by the town in 1981 as deputy clerk. He held that position until 1987, leaving to pursue opportunities in West Vancouver and Lake Cowichan. Durban returned to Ladysmith in March 1996 as manager of administrative services.
Since that time, he has held several positions with the town, including acting manager of Parks, Recreation and Culture, and acting manager of Public Works.
In that time, Durban has also managed a number of major capital projects, including the last expansion of Frank Jameson Community Centre, washroom upgrades at Transfer Beach, the community kitchen at Aggie Hall, and Brown Drive Kin Park.
He said some of his proudest accomplishments have been the completion of Forrest Field and the Lot 108 development.
“It was a great team that worked on it, and I am certainly pleased to have been part of that,” he said. “Hopefully the next phases will be done.
“I’m also proud of how well the community centre is being used and all the programs we have for young and old ... I think I can leave it in good hands, and hopefully that will continue.”
City manager Ruth Malli said she is thankful to Durban for the many leadership roles he has taken on since 1981.
“He always acted with the highest integrity and professionalism, quietly working behind the scenes with consistency and high regard for his community,” she said. “I relied upon him a lot and will miss him very much but wish him a well-deserved retirement!”
Durban said he plans to remain in Ladysmith and looks forward to spending the summer enjoying everything the town has to offer.