My counterpart, Steve Kelley, wrote his final Seattle Times column this morning, and it was a wonderful, heartfelt goodbye. He is retiring after more than 30 years at our newspaper. I marvel at the breadth of his career and the passion he maintained to the last day.

Steve has also been incredibly kind and generous to me during my 6 1/2 years at the Times, and I thank him for being such a good co-worker. He kept it real. He was never afraid to express an opinion in the paper, and he was never afraid to voice his gripes in real life, either. You always knew where you stood with Steve. He didn't play games. But while he pulled out his hammer from time to time, I will remember Steve more for the pride he took in representing this community as a columnist. He loves this city, and quietly, he is a great philanthropist working within it. As much as he accomplished as a columnist, he has done more using the position to make a positive impact. By example, he has taught me invaluable lessons about the proper way to use the influence of this job.

Steve has retired from the newspaper, not from this community. I wish him the best as he transitions, but I fully expect that he'll continue to make his mark.

Thanks for all the help and good times, Steve. Enjoy having no one to answer to, except for your wife.