Beloved Roanoker prepares to "down-shift" and retire from Virginia Museum of Transportation

A beloved member of the Roanoke community is preparing to change gears. Bev Fitzpatrick announced his retirement.

“We really hate to see him go,” said Virginia Museum of Transportation committee member, Tom Cox.

Bev Fitzpatrick announced he’ll be retiring as the Virginia Museum of Transportation Executive Director by the end of the year.

“Well obviously, we’re going to miss Bev. I had the privilege of bringing Bev on board 11 years ago, and anyone in Roanoke is clearly able to see the great progress we’ve made here,” Cox said.

That progress includes practically saving the museum from near-bankruptcy, growing the staff, and increasing the budget, not to mention bringing in the 611.

“It’s not so much me, it’s the staff that we’ve had who’ve done an extraordinarily good job since I’ve been here,” Fitzpatrick said. “So, to act like I’ve done it all would be the wrong thing.”

And as he gets ready to down shift, he hopes the museum is gearing up for more positive change.

“We want to do a story of Roanoke. And tell the history, because Roanoke and the railroad are forever captured together. We wouldn’t be here without the railroad.”

Fitzpatrick’s love of all things transportation and his love of his home here in Roanoke will make filling his shoes difficult, but now, he’s looking forward to spending more time at home.

“Then I would love to come volunteer when I can, because this place is just part of me.”

Fitzpatrick is an avid model railroader, and he'll be spending lots of time making trucks and buses as well.

As far as his replacement goes, officials say they've started their search. Deputy Director, Don Moser will act as interim until someone else is hired.