After listening to people heap praise on him for more than an hour, Coeur d'Alene Mayor Woody McEvers shook his head and smiled.

"Overwhelming, but it's bitchin'," he said after his farewell reception attended by about 60 people Friday at the Coeur d'Alene Public Library Community Room.

McEvers said he never went to college but learned more with the city than he could have in a lifetime of education.

"I could go on and on, but I really appreciate all you did here for me," he said. "It’s been fun."

As is his style, he downplayed the credit sent his way for nearly 25 years of service as an elected official, and even more if you count the non-elected roles he took on.

The man who grew up surfing California's waves moved to Coeur d'Alene in the late 1970s. He began his career in public service when he was appointed to the Traffic Safety Commission in 1997. He was then appointed to the City Planning Commission and served for five years. 

He had served on the City Council since 2002 before becoming mayor in 2024. McEvers will be bowing out of the public eye after being defeated in the November election by fellow City Councilman Dan Gookin for the mayor's office.

He plans to focus more of his efforts on Rustler's Roost in Hayden, which he has co-owned with his brother for more than 40 years.

"I never thought of my time with the city as anything more than what I did in the restaurant business — service, take care of people," McEvers said.

Others saw him differently. 

He was lauded for his selfless leadership, vision, cool, surfer vibe and originality. 

He was credited for his ability to listen well and weigh the input of all sides on any issue. His philosophy as an elected leader was to use a "gentle touch." 

During his time on the council, he supported successful projects including a new library, the Kroc Center, McEuen Park, Atlas Waterfront Park and the Riverstone development. The "Woody McEvers Skate Park" bears his name. Today, all are signature parts of the city.

He was known for spending time with departments to learn up close what they did and who they were.

"I think Woody truly understands what it takes for streets and engineering to do their job," said Tood Feusier, Streets and Engineering director. 

City Councilman Kenny Gabriel said McEvers was "awesome" and he hoped that down the road, "people will say that maybe I was as kind as you were."

Nancy Phillips, executive director of the Lake City Center, said McEvers supported the center through his eight years on the board, joining fundraisers and lending his time and energy wherever needed.

“His steady guidance and commitment have been a true asset to the center and the seniors we serve," Phillips wrote

City Attorney Randy Adams wrote a proclamation in McEvers' honor.

"Whereas, after sixteen months as the Big Kahuna, Woody is entering a well-earned retirement, having brought Kumbaya to the City as a chargin’ public servant for over 28 years.

"NOW, THEREFORE, we, the elected officials, employees, and volunteers of the City of Coeur d’Alene, and all his friends in this great City, hereby proclaim all that remains of 2025 to be 'The Year of Woody McEvers.'

"Peace Out, Woody!" Adams wrote.

Sandi Bloem, Coeur d'Alene mayor for 12 years, said she was one of the few people who ever got mad at McEvers.

She said that came during a meeting on a controversial issue and the arguments went back and forth as McEvers sat next to her.

"He looks at me and I thought he would say, 'Mayor, what do you think?' And he said, "Mom, what do you think?'

"Woody, I’m old, but I’m not that old," Bloem responded.

She offered McEvers advice for the years to come.

"Life actually gets even better after you have served the community like you have," she said.

Janette Gabriel, who served as McEvers' campaign manager in past elections, gave him a long hug after the reception. She was proud of him.

"He loves this city, he truly loves this city," she said.

McEvers thanked the crowd for the good words. 

"It means a lot to me," he said.

Asked why he served so long on the City Council and then as mayor, McEvers said it was simple:

"I care about this place. I care about the people."

That's pretty cool.

    Mayor Woody McEvers smiles as he chats with guests at his farewell reception Friday.
  

    A flyer is posted at the farewell reception for Coeur d'Alene Mayor Woody McEvers on Friday.