PORT TOWNSEND — Although his last day isn’t until Monday and he’ll have some projects to finish beyond that, county Administrator David Goldsmith’s 29 years as a county employee were memorialized Thursday afternoon.

Goldsmith’s wife Theresa was among nearly 100 people who filled the Superior Courtroom for a going away party.

“It’s a good thing the Fire Department didn’t come today,” one wag commented, referring to a recent public hearing that had to be stopped because attendance exceeded the room’s 90-person capacity.

Memories poured from the hearts of friends and co-workers, some stories making the room sing with laughter, but leaving it nearly silent at other times as accomplished public speakers didn’t even try to hide their emotions.

“I’m fortunate that I got to work in this beautiful place, in a community I love,” Goldsmith said. “I got to work in a place for 30 years.”

Many who spoke Thursday praised Goldsmith for his diplomacy and he showed at bit of that in some of his comments.

“I never worked for a bad board of commissioners,” he said. “Some were more challenging than others.”

Some boards “stretched my abilities,” Goldsmith added.

County employees presented him with a glass plaque with an etched likeness of the historic courthouse.

Goldsmith also received a medallion from Commissioner Glen Huntingford commending him on his efforts for the county. Former Administrator Gary Roaf also received one of the medallions, which are referred to as “the puck.”