CORNING – The community of Corning recently held a celebration in honour of Ed Mish, former administrator of the RM of Golden West.
Over 50 gathered for a barbecue lunch, a variety of salads and desserts and a great sunny afternoon of visiting with friends. Upon his retirement, Mish was presented with a plaque in appreciation of his 38 years of service as well as a painting of the RM office.
Mish began his career as administrator for the RM in June 1982, retiring in January of this year.
After graduating from Glenavon High School and attending the University of Regina for three years in administration, Mish told the short version of how this career came about:
“Well, 38-plus years ago I can remember when I came down for the interview in the old café (which is now demolished) which was once the old RM office at one time. One of the councillors asked the question at that time ‘How long are you going to stay in Corning?’ I don’t recollect my reply at that time, but if you would have said 38 years, I wouldn’t have believed it.
“As soon as I moved to Corning, I was accepted and invited into the community. They made me feel at home, which was excellent and made my career here really easy. Over the 38 years I’ve worked with 29 different councillors and seven different reeves.
“Through all the years I can’t say that I’ve ever had a council that was difficult to work with. We all worked well together … it’s been a good, respectful working relationship even though we may not have always agreed on things.”
How have things changed within the RM over the past 38 years?
“The evolution of technology,” stated Mish. “At one time everything was done by hand (administrative wise) and then computerization came about. Also, graders and equipment are so much more advanced.”
Mish left behind some wise words for the current administrator and reminisced on some of the more memorable events over the years.
“Accomplishing tasks and moving the RM forward is key. Over the years there have been events that have taken place that we’ve struggled through as council and administration. For instance, one of the most memorable events was in 2011 in the flood year. We had multiple roads under water, we had multiple roads in very poor condition. We struggled through that and got through it. Over the years, we’ve built or upgraded miles of roads … too many to keep track of.”
Amanda Baumgartner, the current administrator of the RM of Golden West, gave her opinion of Mish as her mentor:
“Ed has been a wealth of knowledge for the RM and just knows the history, so when we’re working on upcoming projects or ideas, he knows the reasoning behind why it was done. He leaves really big shoes to fill in that respect.”
So needless to say, Baumgartner will keep Mish on speed dial for the time being.
“He was a great teacher,” explained Baumgartner. “I came to the RM with seven years of urban municipal experience, but he was wonderful teaching me about the rural side of things and especially the way it pertains to Golden West.”
“Not only was he the administrator, Ed was involved in the Community Players, volunteered at the rink and was just overall very committed to Corning as a community.”
Mish was asked about his plans now that he’s retired.
“Nothing firm, but I’ll enjoy my hobbies, including golfing, curling and snowmobiling.”
Mish said with his administrator experience he’s contemplating “pinch-hitting” as a fill-in administrator if asked down the road, but admits he hasn’t given it serious thought just yet.
Mish explained that in this profession when he started, the ratio was probably 80 per cent male and 20 per cent female, but over the years that’s probably the other way around as more and more women are making a career in this role.
Given his experience with farming, he has also been helping farmers in the area since his retirement. He said that keeps him busy and out of trouble.
Mish has absolutely no regrets about taking on the administrator role and making a career out of it.
“It’s been a rewarding career,” summed up Mish. “I’ve been fortunate through those 38 years there has never been a time when I didn’t want the job.”
Mish said it’s because of the wonderful council that everyone gets along so well and makes having this role that much easier.
