Today’s edition of Seattle Weekly is the final issue to benefit from the work of Gwendolyn Elliott as a member of its staff.

After six years on the paper’s masthead, Gwen has decided to move on and will, we imagine, be using the time she once spent keeping the chatter in the editorial bullpen flowing and writing engaging, thoughtful copy, exploring some of her other interests. Seattle Weekly readers are familiar with those interests, as Gwen has written with great passion about a wide variety of topics, including the disorienting evolution of this ever-changing city, her love of good wine, the nuances of the vegetarian movement, that lady on the gyro posters, and, of course, music.

To be perfectly honest, Gwen’s departure has hit me quite hard. I first met Gwen seven years ago while I was editing a music magazine in town called Sound (no relation to my current employer, Sound Publishing). She had just come off a stint interning at Resonance Magazine and was beginning to build a portfolio as a freelance writer. We didn’t have much money at Sound; we paid, but we were largely reliant on the passion of our contributors and their eagerness to work with an editor. Gwen had both.

I remember sitting across from her at Linda’s Bar during one of our first meetings, talking shop and watching her light up as she spoke; I believe she was talking about Uncle Tupelo—perhaps about the lack of appreciation for Jay Farrar—though time has certainly warped that memory. We talked about music and writing and the goals that she had set for herself. The magazine was going through a rough patch at the time, but I found Gwen’s enthusiasm energizing. It kept me going for at least another week. And at that time it was a week-to-week situation. I brought her on as a contributing writer. A few months later, certainly through no fault of hers, Sound Magazine finally submitted to its destiny and became but a memory. I moved on to City Arts and Gwen landed here, at Seattle Weekly.

When I arrived here two years ago and took the helm of the editorial department, Gwen was the glue that kept the operation together. She contributed to every section of the paper and overflowed with ideas, even as her plate overflowed with duties. It was a time of great change here, and great stress, and Gwen helped the staff navigate the unmapped terrain that came with new ownership and a new editor who was a stranger to most of her co-workers. Again, there were some tough times when Gwen kept me going for at least another week. And then another one. As I got my legs I watched her develop as a writer, contributing her first cover story (an excellent exploration of the mainstreaming of vegetarian cuisine) and penning some memorable music features (her “Country” Dave Harmonson story is essential for any Seattle roots fan). Her copy grew stronger, her voice more confident, and she took more chances.

After I promoted her to Music Editor this past fall, she took on the role with a vision, whipping the freelance staff into shape and bringing the women of THEESatisfaction into our pages on a monthly basis with a new column, Ladies First. Her editorial decisions brought a needed perspective to the music section and indicated an exciting path forward for the paper. There were stumbles as well, but there always are when you are trying to create something new. And that was what Gwen was doing.

Six years is a long time to work at a weekly newspaper. As I have told my staff before, there are two types of employees at a paper like Seattle Weekly. There are those who can imagine themselves here for their entire careers, and then there are those who will view this place as a stepping stone, utilizing the tools, instruction, and platform here to develop skills, test ideas, and prepare for the next step. Neither is more valuable than the other, really. Both are essential to the life of a publication like this, one assuring institutional knowledge and continuity, the other assuring a regular infusion of new ideas and revitalizing energy. Some people leave. That’s the reality and I accept it. But it still hurts a little whenever you lose someone.

Gwen will be missed here. And we all wish her the best and are eager to see what she does next.

As a farewell, I thought it would be fitting to give you just a few of our favorite Gwendolyn Elliott stories. So, in honor of Gwen, pour yourself a glass of wine, maybe order a falafel, and dig in.

Salad DaysSeattle provides fertile ground for a new “vegetable revolution.”

Dave Harmonson: Man of (Pedal) SteelThe enduring player is Seattle’s rhythm section.

The Rebirth of Smith TowerAs Pioneer Square rebounds, its iconic cornerstone leads the way.