Former Pahrump Town Manager Bill Kohbarger, whose final day on the job was Friday, was the “man of the hour” as several dozen guests attended his official send-off at Mountain Falls.
Not unlike his time serving as the town’s top administrator, Kohbarger was subjected to put-downs, barbs and a decent serving of sarcasm during his “roast” on Sunday, which he seemed to take in stride.
Roastmaster Dina Williamson-Erdag said she was pleased that many people turned out to provide a good ribbing to Kohbarger whom she has known for several years.
“The idea for the roast came from his wife Lisa. Bill and I are Rotarians and when he announced at the Rotary meeting that he had accepted another job, I thought it would be a good idea to provide him with a proper send-off, so we went with that theme.
“I don’t think anybody was too harsh. I think everybody approached it with a great sense of humor, civility and dignity. They made some funnies out of situations but nothing that was objectionable or rude. I though it went very well,” she said.
The event was attended by family, friends and town and county officials.
Town board member Dr. Tom Waters and Nye County Assistant Sheriff Rick Marshall teamed up to recite a poem in tandem which poked a little fun at Kohbarger’s time in Pahrump.
“It’s a verbal crucifixion, a below the belt blow-by-blow. Bill, I apologize buddy, but it’s tradition you know. I didn’t want to write it. I pleaded with the farewell committee but they insisted. They said you’d like it and added ‘if he doesn’t tough tittie.’ Bill, let me say right now that I hope by the end we will have made a truce because out of the 35 verses, there were 30 of abuse,” they remarked.
Following the roast, Marshall said he was glad to be a part of Kohbarger’s send-off.
“I want to give Dr. Waters the credit because he came up with all of the material and I was just his sidekick. I have known Bill for about five years and my dealings with him personally have been great. He tells you exactly where he stands. We have not always agreed on things, but we have always been able to work them out as professionals and friends do. The roast was a lot of fun and I wish him and his family the best of luck in the future,” Marshall said.
Waters said he was glad to take part in the event but noted he wished more people were present.
“I think Dina did an outstanding job. I would have liked to see more people there because I know there are many, many more people that think the world of Bill Kohbarger. I would almost bet that they just didn’t get the word. I know Bill Dolan was out of town. It was a great event and well deserved. Not so much the ribbing, but just something for Bill Kohbarger. He was an outstanding town manager,” he said.
Williamson-Erdag said many people from Kohbarger’s community associations were able to witness the barrage of verbal barbs thrown at the former town manager on Sunday.
“There were a lot of people there from the different organizations that Bill is part of, including No To Abuse, the Rotary Club and the Pahrump Little League Association. Assemblyman James Oscarson knows him from Rotary as well. We always have a good time with Rotary. It’s a friendly organization, it’s service oriented. There’s always good humor going about and jabs and the roast was basically more of the same. In fact, when I go to Rotary I try not to sit at James’ or Bill’s table because we have a sergeant-at-arms who will sometimes fine us if we get out of control, so I never want to be dragged into that,” she said with a laugh.
Kohbarger, meanwhile, said he was honored to be the subject of ridicule from those who chose to come forward to speak their minds about him.
“It was a great time. I really enjoyed the roast. Lots of good barbs and I really want to say thank you to Dina for hosting and organizing the roasting. Of course I want to thank my wife for always being there for me. I’m also glad for those who were able to make it to the roast,” he said following the event.
Kohbarger and family will eventually move to Las Vegas where he was hired for a position in the human resources department for the City of North Las Vegas last month.
Kohbarger, who became town manager in 2008, also said he is proud of the work he’s accomplished since that time.
“I am the longest tenured town manager in Pahrump. For five years I have had the privilege of working with a great staff and it has been a pleasure working with all of the people who come through the doors. I have met some absolutely incredible people here,” he said.