Palouse's Arrasmith retires after 31 years

Palouse Public Works Assistant Marc Arrasmith retired after 31 years with the city last week. A reception was at city hall Oct. 5, and a plaque presented to him.

As part of his work, he took care of the cemetery and all public parks, including repair and maintenance. In the winter he was responsible for clearing snow and ice.

“Out of all city staff, I’ve gotten more compliments for his work than anyone,” said Michael Echanove, Palouse mayor. “The public assets he took care of mean a lot to people.”

Arrasmith began as a groundskeeper/public works assistant in 1986 after working as a field man for McGregor. He graduated from Palouse High School in 1971.

“There was a job opening, I applied,” said Arrasmith. “I always liked working outside, landscaping. That kind of work.”

“You’re pretty much busy the whole time,” Arrasmith said.

His last day was Thursday, Oct. 5. The next day, he went in for a knee replacement.

“That kind of dictated what I was gonna do,” he said of the decision to retire.

In 31 years for the city, Arrasmith served under four mayors: Robert Kramer, Bruce Baldwin, Butch Smith and Echanove. His retirement also coincides with retiring from the Palouse Fire Department after 38 years as a volunteer.

What will he miss the most?

“Just the work and the people you talk to,” he said.