CAMDEN — James “Mac” Thomas rarely deviates from a mission, zeroing in on a task and not giving up until it is accomplished.  On July 10, the Town of Camden honored him for all his hard work helping to ensure that the Camden Riverwalk along the Megunticook River gets built so walkers and bicyclists can enjoy the trail.

That tenacity and vision has pushed the Riverwalk project forward piece by piece, and at the Camden Select Board meeting Tuesday evening, the community delivered a standing ovation for Thomas’ efforts on the Camden-Rockport Pathways Committee.

“It wouldn’t have been possible without your help,” said Geoff Scott, of Camden, and Chairman of the Camden-Rockport Pathways Committee. “Thank you so much, Mac.”

Mac Thomas joined the pathways committee in 2013 and from day one, went full bore, working first on the Tannery section of the Riverwalk, then a portion by Seabright Dam, and then moving down toward the Riverwalk’s newest development area, by the Camden wastewater treatment plant.

While he used tools to manually clear the trails, he likewise took to the computer, writing several grants applications to secure funds to keep building the Riverwalk.

Scott unveiled a photo of the granite bench that will be placed on the Riverwalk, a bench that was cut, carved and engraved by pathways committee member Owen Casas, of Rockport.

The bench inscription reads: “In recognition of James ‘Mac’ Thomas, for his selfless dedication to the vision of the Riverwalk.”

“He has a passion for the Riverwalk and dedicated a lot time making it what it is today,” Scott told the Select Board and those in the Washington Street Conference Room, at the Camden Opera House.

“I want to thank you so much for having that vision that is so obvious now, for so many of us, wasn’t before,” said Alison McKellar, Camden Select Board member.

Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657