For 26 years local resident Norm Byman has made sure rest areas along the local stretch of Hwy. 16 were clean, appealing and well maintained.

Byman, who retired earlier this month, has continuously held a maintenance contract for the local rest areas for three decades. During 1985 - 1986 Byman's was contracted by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, then he contracted for Lakes District Maintenance, after privatization.

Between Sheraton and Hungry Hill and on to Granisle, Byman was responsible for the upkeep of 10 rest areas including four major rest areas at Sheraton, Tintagel, Topley and Six Mile, as well as a number of brake checks.

Byman said he thoroughly enjoyed his job, which included cutting grass during the summer time, taking away the garbage and maintaining the rest rooms.

"It has been a pleasure working for Lakes District Maintenance. Over the years there has been very good cooperation and help given to me from the supervisors," Byman said.

"It's been a wonderful job really."

Steve Gailing, operations manager for Lakes District Maintenance said he equally enjoyed working with Byman. "I dare match him against any rest area contractor ... I don't know, but I think he might be the only rest area contractor in B.C. to have held a maintenance contract over the span of three decades."

Gailing went on to say, "To maintain a contract for that amount of time is impressive. He did a bang up job so there was never any need not to renew it [his contract]."

Byman said that rest areas are often the first port of call for travelers as well as locals, wanting to take a break from long journeys and he always endeavored to make each of the rest stops in his service area clean and presentable.

"A big part of rest stop maintenance, aside from the upkeep, is public relations. It was one of the most enjoyable things about my job ... I was able to meet people from all over the world ... Australia, the U.S., Germany .... you would be surprised where people come from, and they all said they really appreciated a nice place to stop."

Byman also said he appreciates the support given to him by his wife and family during the 26 years of his contract. Now that he is retired, Byman said he plans to kick off his work boots and relax.

"I am looking forward to spending more time in ministry [church] work, which is very important to me. I also look forward to spending more time with my family, who are very dear to me," he said.

Upon his retirement Gailing, on behalf of Lakes District Maintenance presented Byman with a letter in recognition of the hard work and dedication to his job as well as a gift.