It’s a bittersweet time for the City of Steinbach as a long-time and dedicated employee prepares to retire.
Randy Reimer, Manager of the Public Works Department, has been a cornerstone of the city’s operations for the past 31 years.
Over the decades, he has helped maintain Steinbach’s roads, streets, sidewalks, public drainage, and much more, ensuring residents have a safe and well-kept community to call home.
Mayor Earl Funk reflects on Reimer’s tremendous impact.
“The wealth of knowledge that's in his mind. When you have someone who's been in a position for 31 years, I think we don't even know what they all know. They probably forgot more than most of everyone around him knows. And we won't know that until he's actually stepped out and gone.”
Funk admits it won’t be easy to say goodbye but is excited for what is ahead for Reimer.
“We've just enjoyed him so much, he's been such an asset to the city, and we wish him the best. We're sad to see him go, but we know that everything has a start, and everything has an end, and the time now is for him to start his retirement life and end his working career.”
Though he is stepping down from his role, Reimer will continue to be a familiar face in the community.
“We're just so glad that he’s going on good terms, he's an amazing guy. He's always got friends here at the city, and I'm looking forward to continuing to watch many Pistons hockey games with him.”
Reimer has consistently spoken highly of his time with the City of Steinbach and the team he has worked alongside.
“At the city, we have wonderful staff,” Funk says. “They're just absolutely amazing. It doesn't matter what department you go to, they're amazing.”
Funk adds that staff throughout the city speak positively about their work and the leadership they receive.
“They're always eager to help, eager to take care of concerns or issues or problems. And that starts from the top. It starts from the top and it trickles down.”
He credits leaders like Reimer for creating that strong culture of service.
“They all are committed to outstanding service, and it shows because their staff do it as well. That's why we know Randy did a great job training, he did a great job instilling a desire to do the best job he could in his department, and you can see that because that's evident now as he's leaving.”
Reimer is set to retire at the end of June, with Jerry Friesen stepping in to fill the role.
With files from Judy Peters