Reflections. The passing last Friday of Maxime Ducoste.

Maxime was the Assistant Director for Planning and Preservation for the City of Lake Worth. Many of you probably got to know him during his four years at the City’s Community Sustainability Dept. If you needed a variance or some sort, a development approval for your property, stopped in or called, you may have dealt with Maxime.

You’ll remember him a pleasant soul, respectful and ever courteous.

Earlier this week I announced his untimely passing and am still, like many others, having trouble dealing with the sadness and the suddenness of it all. A tragedy for his family, friends and all his colleagues presently and all of his colleagues in the past as well.

Readers of this blog are all too familiar of truly wonderful and dedicated people, older and in poor health, who succumbed to illness after a long battle. When the day comes though, it is still a shock. The news of Maxime’s passing is altogether different. He was only 44 years old.  

Maxime was the lead staff person who attended the Historic Resource Preservation Board (HRPB) meetings during my last stint as a member, and then later as the Chair of the HRPB. Mr. Ducoste, I referred to him that way because his personal demeanor deserved that respect, was the consummate professional.

Recall many contentious issues before the board. When applicants were confused or upset, and the board was going back and forth trying to work our way through one agenda item or another, Maxime was a steady and calming influence. He was always composed, deliberate. In a City known for “lively” public discourse, I never once recall Maxime getting flustered or impatient.

As the present members of the HRPB can attest he was always open to questions and queries. If he didn’t have that information right away, he would deliver it promptly. Maxime really was, in every way, one of the shining stars on the City’s staff. He will be sincerely missed.

My heart goes out to his surviving family members, friends and others who knew Maxime. I will make you aware of memorial arrangements when they become available.

Maxime left this Earth much too early. Keep his family in your prayers.