The familiar and friendly public face of Delta Cable – Crescent Beach resident Henri Wendel – stepped out ot the spotlight at the end of last month.

At 65, Wendel retires after working for the community cable company since he started installing equipment in customers’ homes in 1983.

He moved into sales – getting the nickname “The Ad Man” – before taking on the position he’s known for today in public relations.

“I really enjoy the customers and talking to people,” says Wendel, who doesn’t mind being the one to handle customers’ complaints.

And although he lives in Crescent Beach with his wife, Wendel has given much of his time to the organizations and events of South Delta.

He’s chair of the Tsawwassen Sun Festival, involved with the local business associations, helped with Delta Chamber of Commerce’s Hats Off to Excellence gala, and is a common sight at local fundraisers.

And inspired by Deal or No Deal host Howie Mandel, Wendel has organized a few “Take it or Leave it” fundraising events for non-profits such as the Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.

“Somebody’s got to do something, and I think it’s really important to help each other,” he says.

Wendel’s eventual journey west to Ladner and then White Rock began when he was four years old (the youngest of five), when his family moved to Alberta from France.

In Edmonton, they lived with an aunt who slaughtered her chickens to make room for the family in the bird coop.

As a young man, the artist in Wendel found an outlet creating counter displays at Canada Safeway in Edmonton.

Then, it was on to window displays for The Bay – eagerly moving to Vancouver after discovering there’s no need to plug in your car during the winter months – and a stint as an airline caterer and baggage handler.

He says that while he’ll miss seeing everybody through work, he intends to maintain a connection to that area, through the Ladner Business Association and other networking.

Wendel’s plans for retirement include continuing his hobbies – travelling, kayaking and creating sculptures and etched glass art in his studio. And, he just may start a logo design and store decorating company.

He’d call it Henri’s Creatives.

kthiessen@southdeltaleader.com