News - Stephenville International Airport

STEPHENVILLE Larry Smith has announced his retirement from the position of airport manager effective Nov. 3.

However, apart from a Stephenville Airport Corporation prepared release, Smith said he would not be commenting on the announcement at this time.

The release, sent from new chair Graham Armour, stated Smith is well-known in the aviation industry for being an affable and competent manager, and has friends and colleagues in the business around the world.

The release also stated the board of directors of the Stephenville Airport Corporation appreciates Smith’s efforts, noting his replacement would be announced shortly.

Smith began his career as a radio operator with the federal Department of Transport at an early age and progressed though the ranks to the position of manager of the Stephenville Flight Service Station until it’s closure in 1995.

According to the release, Smith is looking forward to spending time with his wife and family, and completing many of his projects which he has been unable to attend to because of work commitments.

Lending a hand

Smith’s current tenure with the airport corporation began with a commitment he gave to “help out” for a few months.

Bob Byrnes, a former chair of the board, said it was three years ago when he asked Smith to come back to the airport and “give us a hand.”

“He came in and straightened up the few problems we had at the time,” he said.

“There is no doubt that Larry Smith is a true advocate of Stephenville airport. Like a lot of people in this town, he recognizes the airport’s value to the town and the province.”

Byrnes said in that light he has dedicated a lot of time and effort to making the airport succeed and he’s sure that if Smith is needed in the future for any special project he will make himself available to the new board.

Mayor Tom O’Brien had praise for Smith as well, saying he has served the airport community very well.

“He stepped into the position of manager at the airport at a crucial point in its history, and if he hadn’t at the time, the continued operation of the airport would have been in serious jeopardy,” he said.