After 26 years of distinguished service, Qualicum Beach Town Crier Len Mustard has officially announced his retirement.
To mark the occasion, Mustard and his wife Marie were honoured at the June 18 council meeting, where his many years of dedication were recognized with gratitude and admiration, according to a news release by the Town of Qualicum Beach.
Since his appointment in 1999, Mustard has brought his distinctive voice, ceremonial flair and heartfelt pride to countless local events. From parades and community celebrations to official ceremonies, he has been a cherished presence and a proud representative of the town.
Throughout his years of service, he was accompanied by his wife Marie, whose grace and unwavering support brought warmth and elegance to every occasion.
The town extends heartfelt appreciation to both Len and Marie for their enduring contributions to civic life.
“Len has been more than a ceremonial figure — he’s been part of the soul of this town,” said Mayor Teunis Westbroek. “His presence brought tradition, joy, and a sense of occasion to every event. And behind him, Marie has been a constant source of support and grace. We are deeply grateful to them both.”
In appreciation for the many years of service, the Town has sponsored two seats at Village Theatre through the ECHO Players “Take a Seat” initiative, ensuring Len and Marie always have a special place in the Town’s cultural community.
These seats, and a framed certificate of appreciation, were presented at the town’s Volunteer Appreciation event held in December 2024.
Len and Marie’s final official appearance was at the Family Day parade on May 25, where many residents came out to bid them a fond farewell.
The town is currently exploring options for appointing a new town crier and will share updates with the community as the process unfolds.
