Dawn Gagnon

Jul. 4, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- BANGOR, Maine -- One of downtown's unsung heroes was the guest of honor Thursday at a surprise retirement party at the city's public works facility on Maine Avenue.

Donald McKenzie, 71, has retired after a nearly three-decade career with the city, most of it spent as a street sweeper.

Until a few years ago, when he was transferred to the city's recycling facility on Maine Avenue, McKenzie could be found each weekday in his orange vest and rubber boots, cleaning downtown sidewalks and parks, picking up litter in the summer, shoveling snow in the winter and sweeping dust in the spring.

From 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., from the Bangor House to the Bangor Post Office, McKenzie -- armed with a large, wheeled barrel and a quiver of tools that included a shovel and a broom -- logged about eight miles a day, his oldest son, Ricky McKenzie, said.

"I think we're one of the few cities that still do it," City Manager Edward Barrett said Thursday of the city employees who take to the streets armed with barrels and brooms or shovels, depending on the season.

Because of McKenzie and others like him, "we can be proud of the appearance of our city, our downtown," Barrett said.

City Engineer Jim Ring agreed. "It's one of those quiet services that the city provides," one that residents and visitors alike appreciate, even if they don't put much thought into it.

Ring said the city tried to cut back on street sweeping services about five years ago, but restored it after downtown merchants and others complained.

During Thursday's retirement party, Public Works Director Dana Wardwell said McKenzie came to work for the city on Oct. 15, 1979.

Wardwell, who was the retiree's supervisor, noted that McKenzie was "for many, many years a fixture downtown.

"I want to thank you for everything you've done for the city and downtown," Wardwell told McKenzie.

Among those who attended the retirement party, held in the public works break room, were several of McKenzie's former colleagues and at least 20 family members, including McKenzie's wife, Hazel, and several of his children and grandchildren.

Jerry Hughes, who among other things heads the city's recycling program, told McKenzie to enjoy his retirement "and have some fun."

"I'll find something to do," McKenzie said when asked about his post-retirement plans.

A man of few words, McKenzie said he's looking forward to doing some fishing and hunting. He also likes candlepin bowling, especially at Bangor-Brewer Bowling Lanes on Wilson Street in Brewer.

Asked if he will miss the daily grind, McKenzie said with a quick grin and a twinkle in his eye, "Not really."

Former Bangor Mayor Arthur Brountas, whose family has owned and operated the Bangor Bus Terminal and the Main Tavern on Main Street, said McKenzie's work did not go unnoticed.

"He certainly was a very, very dedicated employee," Brountas said Thursday.

"Regardless of weather, he was always out there, doing a wonderful job. Not only I, but most of the other merchants, thought he was a nice, personable fellow."

Newstex ID: KRTB-0135-26445808