By Dan Shriner
Review Editor
During his 42 years working for Lake Orion, Ken Kuss was a jack of all trades.
From maintenance throughout the village in parks, the cemetery, repairing and maintaining water mains, plowing snow and installing signs…
There was nothing that he didn’t do.
Now, Kuss plans to take care of the ‘honey do? things his wife, Sandy, has in store and to hang one last sign that says, ‘Gone fishing.?
The couple live in Orion Township, just outside of the village, and Kuss said he is looking forward to relaxing and fishing, doing yard work and anything else his wife can come up with.
His retirement came at a pretty good time on Friday. It was just in time to miss the big snowstorm and then having to wrestle with a water main break on Heights Road that happened over the weekend.
He came to Lake Orion to work in 1971 as a 21 year old and during the years has been a key part of the village’s workforce.
‘I will miss it,? he said. ‘You name it, I’ve done it. From plowing snow to taking care of water mains. The cemetery, parks, signs. I always liked the work. It will be a big change now and I’m looking forward to it.?
Kuss said he won’t miss freezing in the winter but will miss his co-workers.
‘The guys I work with are great guys,? he said. ‘I will miss them.?
The days ahead will include a lot of fishing and yard work plus whatever else Sandy comes up with, he said.
Lake Orion Police Chief Jerry Narsh said Kuss has been a very valuable asset to Lake Orion and will be missed.
Narsh met Kuss when he first came to the village more than 30 years ago as a young police officer. The two men were the longest serving Lake Orion employees
‘They broke the mold with Ken Kuss,? Narsh said. ‘He is from the era that you came to work, worked hard and did a good job. We will miss him. The community will miss Ken’s knowledge. He knows the roads and all of the intricacies of the community. It is vital to have men like him. Obviously, we have other good people but we will miss Ken. ?