Supporters and well-wishers gathered at Northlands Parkway Collegiate Tuesday to mark the retirement of Garden Valley School Division Superintendent Vern Reimer.

After 32 years with the division which included 8 years as a teacher, 10 years as a principal, 3 years as assistant superintendent, and the last 11 years as superintendent, Reimer will be retiring from the division at the end of June.

Vern with his wife, Cheryl

Tuesday's come and go event, included a presentation honouring Reimer's 32 years of work in the division, dainties prepared by students in NPC's Culinary Arts Program, and music by the school's jazz choir.

"A huge thank you to everybody that I have had the privilege of connecting with and crossing paths within the last 32 years, and I mean everybody, from 5-year-olds, parents, board members, and politicians," said Reimer. "I've learned something from everyone, and hopefully we've left the place a little better than when we found it."

Reimer said regardless of where he was, whether it was in one of the schools or the division office, the biggest highlight of his career has always been the people. "The projects can change, we can build schools, but it's always the people...whether it's the students or the staff, or the partners that we work with to help continually improve what we can offer students."

As for his plans when he retires, Reimer says he's looking forward to some R & R with his wife, Cheryl. He noted they are both looking at the next stage of life as "wide open." He said that creates the opportunity for volunteer opportunities. "I think we're fairly well positioned for that, we have an RV, and if that means we get involved in MDS... cleaning up after hurricanes, that's a possibility."

Related article: After 45 Years As Student, Educator And Superintendent, Reimer Announces Retirement