With a little laughter, heartfelt wishes and some candy, Mike Winkler’s tenure as School Board Member came to an end.

Winkler announced at the beginning of the summer his plans to leave the board in September, citing personal reasons.

Winkler presented Boehm’s chocolates to many of the Issaquah School District staff members and others he had worked with during his time on the board. Much was made of Winkler’s reputation as the outspoken and sometimes odd man out.

“I don’t always conform to the style,” Winkler said. “I’m not always the most polite. But it was always done with my heart.”

Fellow board members added their appreciation for Winkler’s service.

“I am going to miss you, Mike,” Board member Suzanne Weaver said. “I’ve always known it was about your love of kids. I will miss you. I will miss the entertainment value.”

“You’ve been there during difficult times,” Board President Jan Woldseth said. “We’ll always celebrate your service. I’ve known at times that the filter could have been there.”

And, with some further fond farewell wishes, Mike Winkler’s term as a board member came to an end.

The board has 90 days to fill Winkler’s vacancy.

The board has set the timeline to have all applications due by Oct. 13, with interviews starting on the 21st. For more information about the Issaquah School Board, visit www.issaquah.wednet.edu.