Editor says goodbye to Osoyoos after six years with myriad of indelible memories

There are some moments in life that are indelibly inked on your brain and you will never forget.

I had one of those moments just over six years ago when I made the long journey from northern Alberta to Osoyoos to begin another chapter in my life and career after being hired to be the editor of the Osoyoos Times newspaper.

After spending several hours driving my truck and being blown away by the magnificent beauty of the Rocky Mountains and then the Kootenay mountains in British Columbia, I will never forget finally reaching my destination and looking down at the Town of Osoyoos from Anarchist Mountain.

It literally sent shivers up my spine.

I honestly had no clue there were places  in Canada that possessed natural beauty that could literally take your breath away.

For the past six years, Osoyoos has earned a special place in my heart.

Thanks to the small, but incredibly talented team of professionals I’ve had the opportunity to work with, the past six years have flown by in the blink of an eye.

I’m proud to have been part of a team that has seen the Osoyoos Times capture numerous national and provincial newspaper awards of excellence over the past four years.

I’m honoured to have been part of the team that has published one of the very best community newspapers this country has to offer over the past several years.

I quickly found out since arriving in Osoyoos, that not only are we blessed with the best weather in the country and some of the most astounding natural beauty on the planet, but this little town is also home to some pretty amazing people.

The kindness and generosity of the residents of Osoyoos is simply staggering.

While there are a lot of people who come to retire in Osoyoos and enjoy everything it has to offer, there are also a lot of people who struggle to make ends meet.

For those in need, there are always people willing to lend a helping hand.

I’ve lived in a lot of places and seen a lot of community spirit in the different towns and cities I’ve called home over my 34 years in the newspaper business, but Osoyoos can match up against any when it comes to stepping up to the plate to help others who are down on their luck and less fortunate.

While I’ve immensely enjoyed my time as the editor of the Osoyoos Times over the past six years, the time has come to move on to another challenge.

I have accepted a new position as the editor of the Penticton Now community website, which will be launched shortly as part of the team that has enjoyed great success with the Kelowna Now website over the past five years.

My last day on the job here in Osoyoos was Feb. 28 and I will begin my new position and continue my passion for quality journalism the following week.

It’s always hard to say goodbye, but I just wanted to thank everyone who I’ve met over the past six years who has made coming to work such a pleasure.

I’ve met some simply amazing people and I’ve been blessed to be able to tell so many wonderful stories.

Covering Town of Osoyoos council over the past six years was a big part of my job and I really wanted to thank former Mayor Stu Wells and current Mayor Sue McKortoff for not only being outstanding community leaders, but also being approachable, accessible and easy to deal with.

The staff at the Town of Osoyoos, including chief administrative officer Barry Romanko and the fine contingent of directors who lead the various departments, were also very helpful the entire time I was here.

I will also leave with exceptionally fond memories of the co-workers I’ve been fortunate enough to work with on a daily basis for several consecutive years.

I will miss Richard McGuire’s outstanding photography skills, his quirky sense of humour and incredible work ethic. Richard loves Osoyoos and I have no doubt he will continue to do outstanding work for the Osoyoos Times moving forward.

I’m will also miss Jocelyn Merit, the woman customers see first when they walk through the doors of our office. Jocelyn has too many job titles to list and who has been a big part of what we do here at the Osoyoos Times for the better part of two decades. Jocelyn is a tireless worker, kindhearted woman and proud Osoyoosite.

It will also be tough not coming to work everyday and seeing Ronda Jahn, our talented graphic designer and associate publisher who makes every work day bright with her endless enthusiasm, positive attitude and incredible work ethic. Ronda has a great sense of humour is a bundle of energy and everyone she deals with loves her.

It will also be difficult saying goodbye to advertising sales manager Ken Baker – and his lovely wife Shirley – who befriended me soon after my arrival in town. Ken and Shirley are truly remarkable people as the hundreds of friends they have in town can attest. I will always share fond memories of repeated excursions on Ken’s cherished McGregor sailboat on Osoyoos Lake in the blistering heat, while he whispered with a huge smile “how much gas we using?”

I would also like to thank former owner and publisher Chris Stodola for hiring me and giving me the opportunity to bring my talents to Osoyoos.

Chris and his wife Lori are simply wonderful people and I was honoured to get to know them well.

Chris’ dad Stan founded the Osoyoos Times back in 1947 and the Stodola family name will always be synonymous with this community.

I would also be remiss if I didn’t thank Bob Doull, the president of Aberdeen Publishing, for all of his support since taking over ownership of the Osoyoos Times five years ago. Mr. Doull is a committed and dedicated businessman and publisher and I know he will do everything in his power to continue the tradition of excellence with the Osoyoos Times.

While I am saddened to be closing this chapter in my life, I’m also thrilled and excited about my new job and life in my adopted hometown of Penticton.

I knew within three months of landing in Osoyoos that I would never leave the South Okanagan and that prognosis will never change.

I’ve met the best woman in the world, who I plan on spending the rest of my life with, and I just couldn’t be happier.

Thanks once again to everyone I’ve met over the past six years who have contributed in their own small way to making the past six years of my life truly memorable.

It has been an honour and a privilege to hold this job for more than six years and I leave Osoyoos with nothing but fond memories and a deep appreciation of my time spent here.

KEITH LACEY

Osoyoos Times