Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan has been battling cancer since mid-March, and now he says he’s entered into home hospice care.

In a letter and Facebook post Hogan said in typical playful style:

To tell you the truth, I have never been much of a believer in term limits. I wanted you to know that my time as Mayor of Aurora will end sooner than I had desired. I have entered into home hospice care, with the understanding that my future days will be lived with dignity, grace, and in peace.

Hogan said in March he was planning to undergo treatment for the cancer and then planned to return to his duties as mayor, but wouldn’t seek another term when his ends in 2019.

The news was met online and in city hall with sadness and support.

City of Aurora communications officials wrote this  in an email to media:

We are deeply saddened by the news and are keeping Mayor Hogan in our hearts and in our thoughts. As he has done through his actions, and reminds us in the statement, we will all continue to work to better our community.  We are privileged to serve our public under Mayor Hogan’s leadership.

Hogan served as a state representative and city council member before taking the helm seven years ago. Since, he’s seen the city face astonishing growth with the addition of RTD’s light-rail R Line – sometimes tangling with the agency over how it promoted the trans-Aurora train route – and the Gaylord Rockies hotel about to open in northeastern Aurora. He also led the city through dark times following the Aurora theater shooting.

Hogan said in his note:

We have grown, we have grieved, we have overcome and we shall continue to prosper together. A heartfelt thanks to my former and current colleagues and to all the city employees – what an honor it has been to serve with each of you. Aurora, a new dawn awaits. Thank you for allowing me to live my best life.

Colleagues and those who know the mayor say he’s been a fighter for the city.

U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Aurora,  wrote on Twitter he first met Hogan 35 years ago:

My hometown of @AuroraGov would not be the same place without his vision and his leadership. We are all better off because of his decades of hard work and my heartfelt thank you goes out to Mayor Hogan for his service. I am proud to call him a friend.

(1/2) "I first met Mayor Hogan 35 years ago when I returned to Aurora after having served overseas with the Marines. Mayor Hogan exemplifies the spirit of public service. My hometown of @AuroraGov would not be the same place without his vision and his leadership….

— Mike Coffman (@RepMikeCoffman) May 9, 2018

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock thanked Hogan for “a career of dignified and valiant service to the residents of Aurora and our great state of Colorado!”

Council member Marsha Berzins has been filling in for Hogan at city meetings since Hogan announced his diagnosis. She will continue to serve in that capacity.