Wayne Ryczak's mother says he was caring and considerate.
The Crown says he was a frequent client of prostitutes and a drug user.
His boss says he'd hire him back without hesitation.
The very different sides of Ryczak were on display in court Wednesday after he pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
Now 56, Ryczak worked at Newman Bros. Ltd., a St. Catharines construction firm, for seven years as a surveyor, pulling in $75,000 annually, plus bonuses, bringing his take up to $90,000.
But he lived in a rundown trailer on St. Paul Street West, where 29-year-old Stephine Beck was killed on March 4, 2007.
Philip Martens, vice-president and part owner of Newman Bros., said he's never seen a person more dedicated to his work. Ryczak "lives, eats and sleeps" Newman Bros., Martens testified in court Wednesday. Ryczak took work home without asking, was thorough in his job and got along great with everyone, he said.
"I have no reservations; I'd take him back tomorrow."
His mother, Eleanor Ryczak, an 81-year-old retired nurse and active hospital volunteer, testified her son always came to her home when she needed something.
Divorced for 18 years, Ryczak also had an active role in the life of his 26-year-old son, Dan, she said. She agreed with defence lawyer Geoffrey Hadfield that it's been difficult for Ryczak to have no contact with his son over the last year because of a court order.
"He's always been a caring and considerate son and interested in all of the family. Brothers and sisters, even nieces and nephews."
Over the years, he's been a cub scout leader and a lacrosse coach.
But his mother told assistant Crown attorney Grace Pang she was not aware of her son's drug habit and agreed he was hanging out with people she didn't approve of.
Pang asked if she had any concern her son will return to the same lifestyle once he's out of jail.
"As a mother, I'm hoping no," she said.
Ryczak sat on the city's committee of adjustment, which looks at zoning bylaw changes, and voted to allow Women's Place to sever four acres adjoining its new location.
He resigned his position in November.
On Wednesday, he admitted to an agreed statement of facts, which included killing Beck, stuffing her into a hatchback and dumping her on the side of a rural road in Vineland.
Ryczak has been in custody since his arrest in March 2007.
Sentencing submissions will continue today.
