Tracy Kovalench
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jul 17/98) - Renditions of old Johnny Cash tunes are not the only reason why Joe Desjarlais, better known as Cowboy Joe, is a familiar name around city parts.

For over a quarter of a century, Desjarlais has been a dedicated member of the public works team out at the city garage. The legacy of Cowboy Joe reaches far back into the 1950s.

"I remember when he delivered water barrels to Latham Island," says Mickey Forbes, city work superintendent, who was 14 years old at the time.

He's just as popular down on the rock today. The folks of Old Town give Desjarlais thanks for summers of fresh water running through their taps. Over the years, the Cowboy's responsibilities also included regular summer maintenance on the city's surface water lines.

Desjarlais even remembers pouring the cement that shaped the sidewalks from 44th Street down to Old Town. Coming to Yellowknife as a young lad from Lutselk'e, Desjarlais has watched the city grow over five decades.

"That used to be a dead end," says Desjarlais as he points in the direction of 56th Street.

Desjarlais's long dedication to the city's water and sewer system is common knowledge around City Hall.

He hasn't missed a days work in 10 years, says Forbes. "He's one of the guys that's out there at 40 below," adds Sheila Dunn, from the city's human resources office.

Promoted from casual laborer to a permanent water and sewer maintenance position in 1973, Desjarlais is most famous for ensuring all's well with the city's fire hydrants. In addition to the odd Merle Haggard tune, Desjarlais has also performed continuous maintenance checks on the life-saving devices, ensuring that the arctic chill doesn't block the water's flow.

Tonight, employees at the city garage will toast their longtime co-worker and friend. Tomorrow, Desjarlais' "COWBOY" licence plate will be riding into a new sunset. It isn't goodbye forever, however. Although he plans to travel to Alberta, Desjarlais says Yellowknife will always be his home.