Islanders say goodbye to Duncan Wilson

Town of Friday Harbor Administrator Duncan Wilson officially turned the wheel over to Denice Kulseth.

One farewell party was held at noon at Brickworks, and another at the San Juan Island Brewing Company at 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 18.

“I’m not done, but I am going at my own pace,” Wilson said. “I’m glad to have the official work done.”

Wilson and his wife Traci plan to remain on the island, however, they will take time to travel.

After a decade as administrator, Wilson has made a big impact on both the town and islanders.

“His passion for the town is evident when he talks about it,” Kulseth said. She and Wilson were able to work together for two weeks, for which Kulseth said she is extremely grateful.

“He was able to show me what is on the front burner, back burner and what is coming down the pike,” she said, adding that is extremely rare as the person retiring is usually not interested, or has already left by the time the new person steps in. “He has been extremely generous with his time.”

“I couldn’t have asked for a better community,” Wilson said. “People have been fantastic.”

Islanders clearly think a lot of him too, as they turned out in full force to give him well wishes.

“I appreciate that he thinks about the wellbeing of everyone; not just the most visible, but the people who are marginalized and vulnerable,” Jennifer Armstrong, Joyce E. Soble Family Resource Center Director, said.

Mary Uri, Peer Support Specialist and program coordinator at the resource center added that Wilson has been instrumental in getting new programs off the ground.

“I have always admired how Duncan never losses his cool while handing at least five different things,” said Kira Sable, Chicago TItle recorder and customer service representative. She also added that she respected the fact he when out of his way to respond to people’s questions and comments on social media.

“Denice will be great,” Sable said. “But he will be missed.”