Former Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup chief executive John Attwood had people queuing to buy him a drink.
Some of Donnybrook's movers and shakers gathered socially to give John Attwood a send-off.
John said he had an inkling about the evening of appreciation, which was held at Donnybrook Football Club last Saturday.
“I was slightly embarrassed by it all but very humbled by everyone’s effort to turn up on what was a touching evening.
He said he planned to take a break for a while.
“[I want] a bit of relaxation and reassess where I want to be and what opportunities there might be.”
John stepped down at the end of last month after 46 years of service with the shire, the last 27 of those as chief executive.
Since moving to Donnybrook and starting at the shire, John has married and raised three children. He and Sue have 10 grandchildren.
Anthony Haygarth, former shire councillor, was one of the people who arranged the event. The organisers gifted John and Sue a crystal wine decanter.
“I think the calibre of the people who made speeches are highly regarded individuals,” Anthony said.
The speeches were made by influential people such as Bunbury mayor Gary Brennan, Shire of Capel chief executive Paul Sheedy, former Donnybrook-Balingup Shire chief executive Bruce Hearman, and Forrest federal member Nola Marino.
“It was a good turnout and it was good to see John being acknowledged by his peers in local government. What stood out was how highly regarded John is in local government in WA.
“I was quite pleased with the speech made by Peter Davis on behalf of those staff. It was highly emotional and goes to show how highly regarded John is with his staff as well.”
Peter Davis, principal building surveyor at the shire of nine years, said the staff “love and respect” John.
“I spoke about how John is passionate about local government and he has always been transparent and professional. He always has the ratepayers’ money at heart.
“He has always had a professional and understanding manner with us.”
The leaving card John received from the staff was “full of admiration”.
“He treated any adversities as a challenge in a positive manner and taught me to do so as well,” Peter said.
“He was a great mentor for all staff. He was a man who had his finger on the pulse.”
The shire staff threw a party for him, the community gave him one this past weekend, and the shire councillors will put one on for him this weekend.
“He is probably getting sick of leaving parties,” he laughed.