Saying goodbye is never easy.

Because of that, La Conner schools softened the departures of those retiring or leaving the district for other jobs with a two-hour farewell celebration heavy on humor at the elementary campus Thursday afternoon.

District Maintenance Director Brian Masonholder set the tone in paying tribute to his aunt, custodian Sandy Rowland, retiring after 24 years at La Conner Schools.

“She’s the only La Conner Schools employee,” said Masonholder, “who has changed my diaper.”

Superintendent Rich Stewart, leaving after serving in an interim role this year, also kept the mood li...