Though he’s been retired for just over a week, Dave Neilson is just as busy as he always was.

Neilson, who worked for Urbanlife Management Ltd. (formerly Trijon) since 1991, is a familiar face around Jasper, having managed residential properties – Yellowhead Apts., Aspen Gardens and Cabin Creek – for many years. He recently hung up his utility belt for retirement, though he says his “honey do” and “bucket” lists are keeping him on the go.

Jim Webb, president of Urbanlife Management Ltd., said that Neilson worked for the family company for over 20 years and with Jim [Webb] for just over 10 years.

“He applied at first to look after Cabin Creek and Aspen Gardens, and then he took on Yellowhead,” said Webb. “He has done a fabulous job of making sure the properties are well looked after.”

Webb said that Neilson had a real knack for looking after the properties and the tenants, and understood that both are necessary for a successful residential business.

“Dave [Neilson] has two great assets. First, he is a good maintenance person and second, he has a good rapport with the tenants. He’s almost like the King of Kensington in some ways,” laughed Webb, referring to the fact that everywhere Neilson goes, people seem to know him. “He can talk to the tenants on whatever level.”

Neilson fondly recalled when he was first hired by Urbanlife (then Trijon), which was run by Jim Webb’s father, Ken. He laughs when he remembers that he was hired with a simple handshake back then.

“Now it’s more official. Everything is done in writing.”

Neilson said one of his favourite parts of the job was seeing the smile on people’s faces when they were able to find a place to live.

“Another was living in Aspen Gardens,” he said. “I used to know all of the children’s names. Now they are all adults.”

What Neilson said he’ll miss most though, is the tenants.

“But I won’t miss the snow shovelling!” he exclaimed.

Neilson will stay involved with the community gardens at the Yellowhead Apts., something that is near and dear to his heart. Neilson said that he researched the idea of community gardens and wanted people, including children, living in apartments to have the rewarding experience of gardening.

“It was all Dave’s idea,” said Webb. “He thought it would be a great asset for tenants. I said ‘good’ and we went ahead with it.”

Webb said that Neilson is a part of the team and always will be.

“He is very proud of the properties and what he has done,” said Webb. “Having people in place like Dave is one of the main reasons tenants stay so long.”

Neilson, meanwhile, has big plans to enjoy his retirement – once he gets all the work done at his own home. He said he plans to ride his bike more often, ski more in the winter months and even do some travelling.

Neilson hands the reigns over to Don Pilger, who Webb said “was the best person for the job.”

“Don is laid back and I think he’ll fit in really well,” said Neilson. “He has great maintenance skills.”

Neilson said he has already been offered two jobs since he retired. He said he may consider working seasonally, “but no more snow shovelling!”