Missoula Mayor John Engen died on Monday after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 57.

Engen was born and raised in Missoula. He attended Whittier Elementary School and Hellgate High School and graduated with a bachelor’s in journalism from the University of Montana. He ran two enterprises in addition to his lengthy tenure as a reporter for the Missoulian newspaper.

Also Read: ESPY Awards: Dick Vitale shares his cancer struggle after winning Jimmy V Award

The 57-year-old was a member of the Missoula City Council before being elected mayor in 2005. He was then reelected four times to become the city’s longest-serving mayor. 

“Missoula Mayor John Engen died Monday morning, Aug. 15, of pancreatic cancer. He was 57.  Engen was Missoula’s 50th and longest-serving mayor. He was elected in 2005 and served from January 2006 until his death. He was known for his wit, his vision for the future of a progressive Missoula and his dedication to its middle class,” the City of Missoula’s press release stated. 

Also Read: Cancelling Cancer: Five footballers Sebastian Haller can draw inspiration from

Under his administration, the City of Missoula acquired Mountain Water Company. It was years-long process that cost the city millions of dollars. 

“Engen often said his greatest accomplishment was securing ownership of Missoula’s water system for its people in 2017. He was steadfast in his commitment during the years-long struggle for acquisition. Engen championed two open space bonds during his tenure, believing that preservation of lands around the city for recreation, well-being and good stewardship was key,” the press release stated. 

Former Governor of Montana Steve Bullock issued a statement saying,  “John was one of the kindest, funniest and most thoughtful people I have ever worked with.”

“He dedicated his life to serving the town where he was born and raised, and he went to work every day with a vision of how a great place could be even better. He was bold in leadership, thoughtful in approach, fiercely loyal and steadfast in his determination to make life better for every member of his community. Missoula and all of Montana lost a legend today.”