Flags have been lowered to half-mast at Moncton City Hall in honour of a long-time municipal employee.

Bill Budd passed away on Monday after a sudden illness, the city announced in a news release on Thursday. He was 58.

Budd had served as director of planning and development for the City of Moncton since 2013.

Before that, he was the executive director of the Greater Moncton Planning District Commission.

“Bill was always prepared, always knowledgeable, and he had a knack for breaking down very complex issues and explaining them in a way that was easy to understand. But above all, he was patient and good-natured, even when things got heated,” Mayor Dawn Arnold said in a statement.

CAO Serge Doucet said Budd led the city’s planning and development department through a period of unexpected growth, adding he was instrumental in keeping that momentum going.

Budd was a familiar face and consistent presence at city council meetings given his involvement with many key files. He was usually the first to present new development projects for council’s consideration.

According to his obituary, Budd will also be remembered as an avid fisherman, a national champion wrestler, a loyal friend and an immensely loving family member.

A memorial service will be held at Cobb’s Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Riverview at 2 p.m. Monday.