(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

At 91, it’s hard to blame Bob Tebay for saying he plans to “enjoy life and not be here twice a week,” on the day he announced his retirement as a Wood County Commissioner. He’s certainly earned it.

Tebay has served the county in a way his fellow commissioners credit with setting them on a sound financial footing.

“We’re in very good financial condition because of Bob’s good leadership,” Commissioner Blair Couch said.

In fact, “Bob has earned his reputation for doing things the right way,” Commissioner Jimmy Colombo said.

Among the things Tebay helped get right over his career were Fort Boreman Park, the Wood County Justice Center, the E-911 center and Wood County Resiliency Center. His steady dedication to the county earned him the support of voters time and again — even when he didn’t ask for it. Despite having let voters know, during one campaign, that he had decided against running but missed the deadline to have his name pulled off the ballot, his constituents voted him in, anyway.

That’s a testament to the trust voters put in him to work for them and Wood County.

Commissioners will begin the process of finding someone to fill Tebay’s unexpired term until the general election in November.

The person appointed and the person who wins the election will take their position knowing they have big shoes to fill as they take the seat Tebay said it has been “a privilege and honor” to hold.

Colombo put it simply, but perfectly. Tebay “did a good job for the county.”

His constituents could not have wished for more than that.

But now, we must say to him “thank you,” as we wish him well in the retirement he has done so much to earn.