After two terms as MLA and long political career which earned him a reputation as a strong environmentalist, Michael Sather will be honoured at a retirement event on March 22.

Sather was first elected in 2005, and then again in 2009 both times beating Ken Stewart, who was MLA from 2001 to 2005.

Sather is originally from Grande Prairie, Alta., where he completed a bachelor in science degree in biology and a master’s degree in psychology.

He moved to B.C. in 1974 and worked on fishing boats and oil rigs, owned and operated a wilderness tourism business, and worked as a mental health therapist.

Sather and his wife, author Annette LeBox, were involved with the Pitt Polder Preservation Society to fight against condo sprawl at Swan-e-set Bay, and worked to preserve Codd Island and Blaney Bog.

Before running for office, Sather was the constituency assistant for MLA Bill Hartley.

As an MLA, he was opposition critic for fisheries and intergovernmental relations.

In 2007, however, he was excluded from the NDP caucus when he criticized his party for supporting the Tsawwassen treaty.

The retirement party will be on March 22 from 7 to 9 p.m. at The ACT in Maple Ridge.