City Manager J. Ronald Fischer celebrated his 62nd birthday Thursday with cake and goodbyes.

He said he couldn't help but be a little sad on his final day as city manager.

"Today really has been kind of a downer," he said after cutting up his municipal credit card and turning in his keys to City Hall.

He said goodbye to city employees, many of whom he has known for years.

Fischer's last day as city manager brought an end to a career in Cape Girardeau city and county government that spanned three decades. He was Cape Girardeau's fourth city manager in 30 years and the only one who previously served as a councilman and mayor.

Fischer doesn't have any definite plans for retirement but says he will play some golf, fish and travel.

Fischer headed the city's government for the past seven years, taking over on Feb. 15, 1988.

But he wasn't new to Cape Girardeau. He grew up here. Except for a four-year stint in the Navy's blimp squadron.

Fischer served on the city council that hired the town's first city manager in 1965. In 1966, the council elected him mayor. At age 31, he was the city's second youngest mayor.

In 1968, then-governor Warren Hearnes appointed him to the Cape Girardeau County Commission. He was elected nine times and served 20 years as a commissioner.

As city manager, Fischer took over a city government that was embroiled in controversy. Some citizens had little confidence in the city administration.

Fischer said part of his job initially involved being a peacemaker.

Fischer hasn't made a fuss about his retirement. He has kept it low key. He made it clear to friends and associates that he didn't want a big dinner in his honor.

"I tell you what, I cry easy," he explained. "I am very sentimental."

A consummate team player, Fischer never sought the limelight. He regularly gave credit to the city staff for the city's successes.

Some of those successes include the Lexington Street project, airport improvements, purchase of the water system and sewer expansions.

The door to his spacious, City Hall office was always open to his staff and the public.

He routinely put in a full day, often getting to work before 8 a.m. He spent his Saturday mornings at City Hall, catching up on city business.

Fischer once described his job as city manager as a hobby. He enjoyed it and said so.

He said hello to everyone he passed in City Hall, including city employees.

Fischer's "hello" was habit forming, a friendly practice he developed during his years as a neighborhood grocer.

He has always liked talking to people. "I like to be around people," he said.

He is part of the early-morning, coffee-shop crowd that frequents Sand's Pancake House. Fischer said that routine will continue.

Fischer said he decided to retire because he felt he no longer had the "piss and vinegar" he once did.

A city manager has to have a lot of energy, Fischer said. "This job needs a person that comes in here at a slow trot."

Whoever is hired as city manager won't have to look over his shoulder.

"I don't want to be a back seat driver," Fischer said.