As town administrator for a quarter century, King Fitch has taken plenty of flack about his first name, sometimes good-natured, sometimes not.

On the eve of his June 30 retirement, The Journal would like to take the opportunity to say that any other king would be proud to leave behind as solid a legacy as King Fitch.

His 25-year tour as the chief operating officer of Friday Harbor has been remarkable for its longevity, for its accomplishments and for how he achieved it, without harshness or rancor. The town’s water and sewer systems are proof of a farsighted vision of public needs and an ability to get things done.

To be sure, there are those here and there who may be mad at him for something or other. Perhaps when they pay their water bill every month. But nobody we know says Fitch was ever mean, underhanded, or disrespectful.

As his farewell approaches, the Journal and most town citizens will say good bye, not good riddance.

If you want to say so long to King (from his post, not from the island), the town has scheduled a farewell Friday, June 29, 3 to 5 p.m., in the Town Council Chambers.

As Fitch departs, we are mindful that both town and county governments are in flux, both with new managers and severe budget constraints. Proposals to alter the form of county government are being made. Big problems like solid waste, shoreline management and critical areas must be addressed.

But as Fitch’s 25-year tenure shows, change can be embraced openly, honestly and without unpleasantness.

Thanks, King. You have served us well.