On March 1, 1976, the City of Page hired Cliff Linker as an equipment operator. He worked his way up through the ranks of supervisor and served as the public works director for a term.

It’s rare to work at the same place for 20, even 10 years. Linker worked for the City of Page for 45 years.

This reporter went to Linker’s retirement event at City Hall on June 16. Rachael French, the human resource-risk manager for the city, organized the festivities, and she knows how to throw a party.

City employees, local dignitaries, and guests were greeted at the main entrance of the Council Chambers with two tables full of food.

“It’s not every day someone celebrates 45 years,” Councilor Rick Yanke said.

Along with all the city leaders were the working men and women, most in their outdoor work clothes. One look made it clear they’d been working hard that morning.

I was happy to see them come in out of the heat. I have no doubt they were too.

Linker has worked for every City Manager in Page's history and all but one mayor. He's been involved in virtually every improvement made in Page, all the dirt roads paved, all the parks, and all the maintenance. His experience is vast and valuable.

Public Works Director Kyle Christiansen said, "The reality is setting in. I'm going to have to do a lot of what Cliff has been quietly doing for the last few years for me. His experience and knowledge will be greatly missed in Public Works." Christiansen said, "I will never be able to replace him unless I'm here another 30 years." Christiansen succeeded Linker as Public Works Director. He said, "I was hired to replace Cliff and have a couple of years to transition."

Christiansen expects to stay in contact with Linker and call if advice is needed.

I had the opportunity to talk with Linker at the party. He's a fit-looking man and healthy enough to have some fun in retirement.

Linker said, "I'm not really ready to just call it quits and sit on the couch. I've got to find something. I just can't sit around the house."

Linker said, "I figured 45 years is probably a good career. I've seen a lot of change. There aren't many places I can look and not see something that I've had a hand in, whether it was facilities-wise or development-wise. I've seen the city grow a bunch, expand a bunch."

Speaking of the city, Linker said, "We had such a tough time financially for so many years. It was just within the last six or seven years, which we've actually been able to do what we've done road-wise here. The roads got in pretty sorry shape because of budgetary needs."

Linker said, "With our new director, we've managed to get quite a bit done. We've had some success here in the last five years."