Radio host Brian Wiebe literally left the sparse, rolling hills of the Nicola Valley for the Lower Mainland Friday after nearly 10 years as a constant presence in Merritt.

Wiebe hit the airwaves for the last time at Q101 FM, Merritt's only local radio station, on Friday morning. He started his new duties as an assistant instructor at the B.C. Institute of Technology (BCIT) and program manager of the campus radio station, Evolution 107.9, in Burnaby on Monday.

"I'm speechless, it's a miracle," he said to a crowd of locals gathered to bid him farewell at the Q101 office on Quilchena Avenue Friday afternoon.

"I'm not going to be a stranger here," he said. "We'll be around."

Wiebe initially joined the on-air talent of Radio NL at the age of 26 as afternoon host in 2002. Radio NL later became Q101.

After about half a year in that position, he took over as morning host and program manager, the same positions he held until last week.

In the years since he arrived, Wiebe has been active in the Nicola Valley Film Society, the Merritt Live Theatre Society, and, perhaps most notably, with the Merritt Centennials.

Wiebe published a blog covering the team and provided game recaps and press releases for the team website.

"You will forever be a guest at our games," Centennials president-chair Jerry Canuel told Wiebe at the farewell.

Brian Barrett, the governor and director of hockey operations for the club then presented Wiebe with a signed Merritt Centennials jersey with "Wiebe" embroidered on the back.

Barrett noted that a number was not yet embroidered on the jersey but said, "You certainly are No. 1 in our hearts."

"This is a big loss to our community. He's such a positive person in our community," said Cathy Frizzell, a volunteer with the Centennials organization as well as the Nicola Valley Film Society.

Q101 general manager Elizabeth Laird said that Wiebe's departure would leave a void but wished him well.

"We've been a family. It's nice to see you move on to things you want to do.

"We've had so much fun. We love you."

A new morning host and program manager has not been announced.

Wiebe's wife, Karla, and his two young sons, toddler Evan and baby Riley, were also present for his send-off.

Wiebe says that when he first moved here, "Karla and I were boyfriend and girlfriend."

He rattled off a list of how his life has changed since.

"Got engaged, got married, bought a house, had two kids. A lot of things happened while I was in Merritt.

"I spent a third of my life in Merritt."

Centennials marketing manager Rachael Sanders now writes game recaps for the team website, but Wiebe says he would be happy to lend a hand where he could.

"If it's electronic, I can do that. I still want to do alumni stuff, too."

Wiebe says his duties at Evolution 107.9 will largely mirror those he had at Q101.

In his new position, Wiebe will supervise and guide about 40 students from BCIT's broadcast communications program that fill the various roles at the radio station.

Wiebe says he will be in charge of many students rather than a few paid employees, but otherwise, his job description has not changed.

"I'm basically responsible for the on-air product. A lot of the elements of my day-to-day job are the same.

"Nine and a half years in the industry is no different no matter what radio station you're at."