It was an emotional moment for Regional District of Nanaimo chair Joe Stanhope Tuesday night, but even more so for Maureen Pearse.
Pearse, who has served as the RDN’s chief electoral officer, was attending her final board meeting prior to her retirement at the end of May.
Just prior to the meeting’s close, Stanhope surprised Pearse with a large bouquet of flowers and a hug, thanking her for her many years of service.
Also retiring this month is Nancy Avery, the manager of financial services, who is leaving the RDN next month. Avery has been an employee since 1991.