Stantastic Kaz Bids Farewell

By Jerry Rousseau

Ok, there will be much more to come on this subject including some presentations and a lot of hand-shaking/toasting/roasting at our next conference, but in case you weren’t aware, legendary Kwantlen Turf Management instructor Stan Kazymerchyk, has retired and moving forward, he will be asking all his former students for free golf, most likely unannounced on a Saturday morning😀!

On June 15th, there was a very nice get-together at the KPU Langley Campus, organized by Stan’s extremely patient wife, Cathe, in celebration of his 50+ year, highly successful and incredibly rewarding turf management career with highlights that included Superintendenting at the Vancouver Golf Club and over two decades of teaching at Kwantlen University.

Dozens of former students and turf management heavyweights popped in over the course of the afternoon to talk turf, peruse an impressive array of archived photos, grab a hot dog and drink and just be present for the end of an era – thanks everyone who attended!

Stan's 'me wall', put together by Cathe Kazymerchyk and a little assistance from the WCTA! (Sure glad we didn't chuck alll those photos😀)

Some of Stan's recent students showing their admiration. From left to right it's Scott Menzies, Stan, Jake McCullough and Brett MacNeil.

As for the future of the KPU Turf Management Program, a job post was circulated in May but we have not heard anything further.  Without doubt and on a serious note, it will be a huge challenge to fill Stan’s shoes.  

All the best in your retirement Stanley!