Norwich — Members and staff of the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments honored Assistant Director S. Richard Guggenheim for his "dedicated service to the region" during the council's Wednesday meeting.

Guggenheim is retiring after 48 years of working for the Southeastern Connecticut Regional Planning Agency and later the Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments.

The council's executive director, James S. Butler, read aloud a resolution from the council that said "no task was too big or too small for Dick Guggenheim to undertake, as he accepted every challenge and then superbly performed in a variety of roles, including mental health planner, land use planner, chief transportation planner, assistant director, equal employment opportunity officer, United Way coordinator, in-house architect, building superintendent and all-around the go-to guy."

Guggenheim is a "true Renaissance man" with interest and skills in activities from bicycle repair to banjo playing and "was always there on a moment's notice to assist his friends and co-workers using these skills," Butler said.

Guggenheim retired from full-time service at the council of governments in July 2013 and then worked part-time as assistant director, contributing leadership and experience to regional projects, such as the SEAT bus study, the resolution noted. "Southeastern Connecticut is undoubtedly a better place to live, work and visit" because of Guggenheim's contributions, the resolution continued. His last day at the council of governments will be July 27.

Guggenheim, who received a standing ovation, said he wanted to thank former Executive Director Richard Erickson, who "built this agency from the ground up" and created "a culture of excellence" that he handed off to Butler and himself.  

k.drelich@theday.com