Published January 13, 2025

Courtesy
Bill Duke, Anita Fowsar and Geoff Webber

Accountants Duke and Webber retire, leaving a legacy of service

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

After decades of dedicated service to the English-speaking community, Bill Duke and Geoff Webber, two well-respected accountants, are retiring from their firm, which has been a mainstay in the Eastern Townships. Their departures mark the end of an era for Duke CPA, now operating under the MNP banner, and reflect a legacy of professionalism and community engagement.

A family legacy

For Bill Duke, accounting was more than a profession—it was a family tradition. “My father started his own practice in Cowansville in 1959,” Duke shared. “He began working from the basement of our house, commuting to Montreal while building a client base locally.” This humble beginning eventually grew into a firm deeply rooted in the community, with Duke following in his father’s footsteps in the mid-1980s.

Over the decades, the firm underwent numerous transformations. Starting as a small-town accounting office, it evolved through mergers and partnerships, including with Jack Noble of Lennoxville. Duke’s leadership saw the company navigate industry changes, including its eventual 2022 merger with the national firm MNP. “The merger brought in resources we couldn’t have dreamed of before,” Duke explained. “It’s been a journey of nearly 66 years since my father founded the practice.”

Duke emphasized the importance of community connections, noting his firm’s long-standing relationships with local businesses, municipalities, and non-profits. “We’ve always prioritized personal relationships with our clients,” he said. “That’s what has set us apart.”

Despite retiring, Duke’s passion for the environment and outdoor activities will keep him busy. “I’m an avid hiker, skier, and environmentalist,” he said, noting his work with organizations like the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Brome Lake Land Foundation. “Retirement is about embracing new adventures while staying connected to the community.” He also plans to continue his work maintaining hiking trails and preserving the natural beauty of the region.

From agriculture to taxation

Geoff Webber, who joined the firm in 1993, took a less conventional path into accounting. “I initially wanted to be a vet,” he admitted. “But my career shifted, and I found my niche in taxation.” With a background in agriculture, Webber brought a unique perspective to the firm, focusing on farmers and estate planning. “Taxation became my specialty,” he said. “Over the years, I’ve worked with a lot of agricultural clients and aging anglophones managing estates.”

Webber’s expertise in taxation proved invaluable to the firm’s clients. He described the challenges of navigating complex tax scenarios, such as business transfers and estate settlements. “The most rewarding part of my job was helping families protect their wealth for future generations,” he said. “It’s about understanding the personal stories behind the numbers.”

Webber credits the merger with MNP as a turning point in his career. “Before, I was the ‘tax guy,’” he joked. “Now, I have a whole team to collaborate with, which has been invaluable.” Looking ahead, Webber plans to dedicate his time to literacy advocacy through the Yamaska Literacy Council, where he will help adults improve their reading and writing skills. “It’s a way to give back and make a difference,” he said.

He also looks forward to spending more time outdoors. “This spring, I’m planning to visit North Carolina and spend time exploring the countryside,” Webber shared. “Not being chained to a desk during tax season will be a refreshing change.”

A new chapter under new leadership

Anita Fowsar, who joined the firm in 2012 and became a partner two years later, is taking the reins. Reflecting on her experience, she emphasized the firm’s commitment to clients and employees. “Bill and Geoff ensured a smooth transition,” she said. “They’re leaving the firm on strong footing, and the merger with MNP has only enhanced our capabilities.”

Fowsar highlighted the benefits of joining MNP, citing improved professional development and a network of resources across the country. “We’re able to offer our team opportunities they wouldn’t have had before,” she explained. “Whether it’s exploring new specialties or collaborating with experts in other regions, the possibilities are endless.”

Under Fowsar’s leadership, the firm has embraced innovation. “Technology has transformed how we work,” she said. “We’re leveraging tools that make us more efficient and effective.” She also stressed the importance of maintaining the firm’s core values. “Our clients and employees are at the heart of everything we do. That won’t change.”

As she looks to the future, Fowsar expressed gratitude for the foundation laid by her predecessors. “Bill and Geoff’s dedication has shaped who we are as a firm,” she said. “Their legacy will guide us as we continue to serve our clients and grow as professionals.”

A celebration of service

To honour Duke and Webber’s retirement, the firm is hosting a private celebration with clients and colleagues on Jan. 17. “It’s a chance to reflect on their incredible contributions and to celebrate their careers,” Fowsar said. “We’re so fortunate to have had them as mentors and partners.”

The event will also serve as an opportunity to reassure clients about the firm’s future. “We want our clients to know that they’re in good hands,” Fowsar said. “The values that Bill and Geoff instilled in this firm will continue to guide us.”

For Duke and Webber, the celebration is both a farewell and a new beginning. “It’s been a good ride,” Duke said. “We built something special here.”

Webber echoed those sentiments. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished,” he said. “It’s time to pass the torch, but I’ll always cherish the memories and the relationships we’ve built.”

As the firm moves forward under Fowsar’s leadership, Duke and Webber’s legacy will remain a cornerstone of its success. Their dedication to their clients and community serves as an inspiration for the next generation of professionals.

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