LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - The service of two members of the Department of Transportation's regional team was celebrated last week.

A gathering held on May 30 in Fort Simpson was in part a retirement party for Michel Lafrance, the regional superintendent of transportation, and also a going away party for Sheryl Wright, the finance administrator for transportation in the village.

Michel Lafrance, left, and Sheryl Wright were recognized last week for their years of service to the Department of Transportation. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

The retirement party was Lafrance's second.

Lafrance retired six years ago from Transportation Canada. At the time Lafrance said he wasn't ready to retire so when the job of airport manager in Yellowknife opened up he jumped at the chance.

"This part of the territory was appealing to me," said Lafrance, who spent a number of years earlier in his career working in the Western Arctic.

After four years in Yellowknife Lafrance came to Fort Simpson in June 2006 to take on the role of regional superintendent of transportation. Only in the territories can you get a promotion when you're over 60 and continue learning, he said.

Lafrance admits there was a steep learning curve when he started the job. As an aviation person, Lafrance didn't know anything about highway or marine operations.

"I've been busy," he said.

The job is all about serving the public and Lafrance said he found satisfaction in keeping the roads and ferries open for local residents.

"It was fun to find a solution to surmount the problems to keep the service running through thick and thin," he said.

After six years with the Department of Transportation Lafrance said he's retiring now because he has a project to work on.

A year ago he and his wife bought and started to manage a bed and breakfast in the Eastern Township region of Quebec.

"Now I have a retirement plan. I'll be the butler I guess," he said.

Lafrance's last day on the job was May 30.

Wright will still be in the Fort Simpson office until the end of the month.

Wright's husband Gerry is retiring from his position as a hydrometric technician with the Water Survey of Canada. Together the couple are moving to live on their 10 acre property near Creston, B.C.

Wright said she'll miss living in Fort Simpson.

"I've always liked small towns so this was ideal to me," she said.

Wherever she is, Wright said she'll recommend Fort Simpson to anyone who wants to visit or live in the village.

"It's been an eye-opening experience. I've thoroughly enjoyed it," she said.

Wright moved to the village in November 1987.

Two years later she was hired by the territorial government's finance department and has been working for them with different aspects of finance ever since.

Wright's career has included close to 10 years with the Department of Transportation.

"I've learned so much," she said.

When she started with the department, Wright said she had no idea how highways, airports or ferries operated.

"All the people in the department were so good to me and so patient with me," she said.

Wright said her specialized knowledge now includes knowing what type of gravel is needed for certain projects and how to tell the different types and densities of ice.

In return, Wright said she was able to share her knowledge of finance with the local office.

Friends and co-workers spoke highly of both Lafrance and Wright.

"Michel and Sheryl are very dear to me," said co-worker Rod Gunderson.

"These two are the hardest working guys and gals I've ever had the pleasure to work with," Gunderson said.