What was planned as a modest retirement luncheon for Ken Krieser, deputy executive director of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, turned into a full-blown roast by 225 well-wishers yesterday at the Bear Mountain Inn.

The gathering of park personnel, commissioners, historians, environmentalists, land preservationists and local and state officials featured a mixture of nostalgic reminiscences, good-natured ribbing and humorous and serious gifts. A dozen guests made remarks covering Krieser's close to four decades of public service and the accomplishments achieved under his watch.

"Ken Krieser is a giant, who for 37 years was dedicated to his job," said Ralph Hittman, retired president of the New York State Camping Association. "In fact, I'd like his job."

Several speakers, including the commission's former executive director, Robert Binnewies, bestowed "pink cougar" gifts on Krieser, reflecting the creature he claims to have encountered in the park years ago, "with the body of a cat and the head of a monkey."

Ray Bombino, the commission's garage supervisor, presented Krieser with a customized golf cart, complete with horn, headlights, directional signals, license plate, first-aid kit and a mallet-size putter.

Meyer Kukle, the park's "volunteer extraordinaire," credited Krieser for a directional sign on "the Route 6 raceway" that leads hikers to an informational kiosk telling about Raymond Torrey, a founder of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference.

On a more serious note, Ken Glotzer, president of the Palisades Camping Association and director of Day Camp in the Park, praised Krieser for his years of "being responsible for the well-being of one of the most beautiful places on the planet," and the camping association's Bill Corbett said Krieser had "done magic with budget and staff cuts."

"This is a tremendous tribute," state Sen. Thomas Morahan, R-New City, told Krieser. "You're a real protector of a park that offers both entertainment and environmental experiences."

Haverstraw Supervisor Howard Phillips said Krieser honed his role in public service to enhance the environment.

"The real reward was knowing you did a great job," he told Krieser. "It's a legacy that raises the bar for the rest of us to follow."

Carol Ash, the commission's executive director, praised Krieser for his standards of honesty and excellence and an upbeat attitude that showed his coworkers every morning how "to bring out the best in people."

Jerry Donnellan, director of the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency, thanked Krieser — a fellow Vietnam veteran — for allowing the veterans to launch their annual Memorial Day Watchfires in the park 17 years ago.

Except for his tour of duty as an Army captain in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970, Krieser has worked for the New York State Office of Parks and Recreation since 1967. His jobs ranged from park laborer to golf course superintendent, park superintendent, regional historic sites administrator, parks and recreation field representative, and supervisor of Parks Operations and Maintenance in Albany.

In 1974, he was promoted to assistant regional manager at the Thousand Islands Park and Recreation Commission. In 1980, he became superintendent of the New York Section of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, and in 1994, he was appointed deputy director.

"This park business is a team sport, and I've been glad to be a team player," Krieser told the gathering. "It's been so much fun, I envy myself."

Krieser and his wife, Bunny, who have three children and one grandchild, are relocating to Cape Cod, Mass.

Reach Nancy Cacioppo at ncaciopp@thejournalnews.com or 845-578-2439