Administrator Barbara Kent has seen a lot of changes during the 35 years she's worked for Provincial Court Services on the Coast.
From serving the public through two tiny windows crammed alongside a courtroom above Gibsons Building Supplies in Sechelt, to the introduction of computers and a new state-of-the-art space (at the provincial court house next to the Sunshine Coast RCMP detachment in Sechelt), Kent has weathered many changes.
"One big one has been the technical changes," she said. "When I started out we had a manual typewriter, and then it was almost kind of exciting to get an electric one, and then our first computer, which everybody had to share, and now, of course, everything's electronic, so that's the biggest change I think."
Jan. 25 marks the date of another big change for Kent - her retirement.
Although not yet 60, Kent is taking her leave now because it "feels like the right time." In retirement she hopes to enjoy some travelling and a slower pace of life.
Starting out as a registry clerk in 1977, Kent worked her way up to being a court clerk and then became a registry justice of the peace in 1985. In 1990 she became the court administrator and has held that position ever since.
"I'm responsible for the running of the courthouse basically, the staffing and just about every aspect of it," Kent said.
Her dedication to the job and guidance to others over the years has made her an important part of the team in Sechelt.
"Her professional expertise, her friendship, her mentoring and her advice and guidance will be greatly missed by all the staff of the provincial court," said co-worker Cathy McLeod on behalf of all staff members.
It will be hard to say goodbye to those co-workers who have made Kent's time with Court Services memorable.
"I've always enjoyed it. It's always been very interesting and I think one of the biggest things is the staff," she said. "The staff has always been great to work with. I made a lot of good friendships here."
