Sage of the Fraser Valley, Frank Bucholtz, retires after 17 years as editor of the Langley Times

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      One of the region's most experienced newspaper journalists, Frank Bucholtz, has called it quits after 37 years in the business.

      The Langara journalism grad retired at the end of June after 17 years at the helm of the Langley Times. There he covered the rising and sometimes falling prospects of some of the B.C.'s most influential figures, including Deputy Premier Rich Coleman, Environment Minister Mary Polak, and Jordan Bateman of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (a former Langley Township councillor).

      Prior to that, Bucholtz reported on various political shenanigans in Surrey while working at the local Leader paper.

      Here's a little-known fact: Bucholtz gave CKNW talk-show host Simi Sara her start in journalism.

      In a June 30 farewell column, Bucholtz graciously thanked his colleagues.  But he's far from gone because once a news junkie, always a news junkie. On July 2, Bucholtz was back in front of the computer writing a thoughtful blog post about the transit plebiscite.

      I have fond memories working with Bucholtz on the Shaw TV municipal-election night broadcasts dating back to 2005.

      He was the expert on the Fraser Valley, constantly astonishing me with his knowledge about not only Langley, but Surrey, Abbotsford, Mission, and many other communities. Bucholtz always did his homework, which accounts for his long tenure in the media.

      Below, you can see the two of us asking questions during the Surrey mayoral debate, in which a feisty Linda Hepner took repeated jabs at her two main opponents, Doug McCallum and Barinder Rasode.

      Surrey mayoral candidates had some fiery exchanges in front of Frank Bucholtz last year.

      Comments

      4 Comments

      Richard Dal Monte

      Jul 3, 2015 at 10:32am

      In a business full of professional misfits (myself included), Frank Bucholtz stands out as a class act -- gracious, generous, humble and kind. To a wonderful man and a kick-ass community journalist, happy retirement, my friend.

      Charlie Smith

      Jul 3, 2015 at 10:49am

      Richard,
      I'm left wondering if you are now the longest-serving editor in the Lower Mainland. You've been at the Tri-City News forever:)

      Richard Dal Monte

      Jul 3, 2015 at 10:58am

      Charlie,
      Not sure whether I'm longest-serving. I was a general assignment reporter from about '94-'01, editor since early '01. I believe that just makes me old. And sometimes crotchety.

      georgeaffleck

      Jul 3, 2015 at 5:53pm

      good luck to Frank. I think Andrew Holota may have you beat for time in the valley, Richard. Not sure.