Warren Taylor worked at the hospital for more than 20 years.
"He was [a] very much appreciated and admired member of the Southern DHB team," a health board communications adviser said.
He finished at the board last week and has started a role in the construction sector.
As facilities and site development manager, Mr Taylor dealt with problems such as a leak in an operating theatre that briefly brought surgery to a halt last October.
It was one of many such incidents in hospital buildings in recent years.
Last year an official assessment said many of them were ‘‘crumbling’’ and at risk of failure.
Last year, Mr Taylor told the Otago Daily Times his team had become increasingly creative in coming up with solutions.
"I can’t speak more highly of the guys ... we brainstorm and then link in to the actual clinical teams."
The work was challenging, as it was vital not to spend too much money on old buildings.
"It’s not going to look pretty; it’s still going to meet the requirements," he said of one particular fix.
Mr Taylor could not be contacted for comment.
The board is advertising for his replacement.
