Goffstown Parks and Recreation Director Dave French will retire Jan. 31, 2010, after 32 years of service to the town.

“He was a dedicated employee. He was always there,” said Town Administrator Sue Desruisseaux. “It wasn’t just a job, it was his life!”

Desruisseaux said she hopes to have a new director hired before French leaves, but the job has not yet been posted.

“We need to update the job description and meet with the Parks and Recreation Commission before posting the job,” said Desruisseaux.

French currently earns $71,838 as Parks and Recreation director. He has been a fixture in town, and is known by many in the community. His Parks and Recreation column, featuring the many programs run by his department, has been appearing in The Goffstown News for more than 15 years.