A beloved southwest figure has retired after nearly three decades of working with the City of Swift Current.

Marlene Johnson played many vital roles in her time as executive assistant to the Mayor and CAO, including being the initial line of communication to citizens and stakeholders for their offices. She also managed and coordinated special projects such as Downtown Market Square, Cruisin' the Market, the Downtown Tree Lighting and took part in many other events and committees for the City. 

CAO Jim Jones has been with the City for five years, which is when he first met Jonhson.

"We lost a fantastic lady," he said. "When you think about it, she's been through 27 years, which is five mayors, five CEO's, 26 different councilors, over eight elections. Marlene was always the smiling face, the host with the most and we're really going to miss her."

The City held a goodbye party for Johnson on April Fool's Day -- the exact date they hired her 27 years ago -- complete with cake, a slideshow of memories, and roughly 100 community members.

When it comes to the big shoes the City has to fill, there are a couple of avenues they could take. Jones said they might be contracting out event planners for the summer of Market Square events, while still carrying out some of the City responsibilities themselves.

As for hiring a new executive assistant in Johnson's place, the individual will have some involvement but not nearly as much as she took on during her time with the City. 

"Marlene is known citywide for what she's done for the city," added Jones. "I'm just extremely happy for her, and pleased to see how happy she is; she deserves it all."