Mr Familton was elected mayor in 2007 for his first of two terms after three years as the Waihemo ward councillor, beating incumbent Alan McLay.
Yesterday, councillors paid tribute to Mr Familton and his wife, Heather, including making a presentation and unanimously passing a valedictory motion.
Mr Familton wanted to leave with ''as few loose ends as possible'' and decisions made yesterday fulfilled that wish, including setting up two new companies to pursue building a new retirement village in Oamaru.
''The district is in good heart, people are looking after each other and support and safety systems operate with compassion.
''We have been a small part of an energetic, creative and productive district, which is a sterling example of the rural heartland,'' he said.
He and Mrs Familton felt they were lucky to have played ''a small positive part''.
He thanked councillors and staff for their support and assistance.
Last Saturday representatives from the Palmerston-Waihemo, Oamaru and Upper Waitaki RSAs farewelled Mr and Mrs Familton at a combined function at the Palmerston-Waihemo RSA, attended by 30 people.
He told the gathering that while campaigning he learned a great deal about himself, both positive and negative.
