The city of Owen Sound says goodbye today to Glen Henry.
The retiring City Clerk and Director of Corporate Services has worked under seven mayors and 10 councils in a career with Owen Sound that’s lasted 30 years.
Wednesday is Henry’s final day on the job.
A native of Ottawa — Henry began working in municipal administration in Kanata in 1979.
He came to Owen Sound as deputy clerk in 1982 and was promoted to clerk in 1984.
Henry kept that job until 2007 when he assumed the role of Director of Corporate Services.
In early 2010 he again became clerk upon the retirement of Marion Koepke, who had replaced him in that position.
While still holding his Corporate Services directorship, Henry also became acting City Manager last summer following the resignation of Jim Harrold.
With the city having recently hired Ruth Coursey as the new full-time city manager, the way is now clear for Henry to step down.
It’s been a busy career for the 54-year-old Henry, who’s also been very active in the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario, serving in a number of positions including association President.
And Henry expects to remain busy in retirement, although he doesn’t know yet exactly what he’ll be doing.
Henry says he’s keeping his options open.
The married father of two sons says his family will remain in Owen Sound.
Although they originally only planned to stay a couple of years when they first arrived in 1982, they’re happy to consider this their second hometown — especially now that Henry’s parents also now live here.
Henry says no decision has been made on who will take over the responsibilities of clerk and director of corporate services.
Deputy clerk Lois O’Neill had been acting clerk while Henry served as acting city manager.
