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Editorial: Dill's leadership and service will be missed

George Dill’s commitment to community and service stretch far beyond his years as a member of the Puyallup City Council.

And his death from a heart attack last Thursday was immediately felt throughout the community he loved so much.

Dill’s foray into city politics began many years ago with his service on the city’s Civil Service Commission and Salary Commission. He attended council meetings on a weekly basis and when he felt the city was heading a direction he disliked, he ran for office. In November 2005, he was elected as a city council member. When first elected, he was the lone dissenting voice but in more recent years had taken on a more moderate tone.

Though Dill’s political opinions weren’t always popular, he was known as being involved with the community. He was often one of the few council members found at neighborhood meetings and city events. And frequently, residents from other districts reached out to Dill because he talked with people and created connections.

Though he was in the council’s minority, he won respect in the community because of his continued dedication to service and genuine love for Puyallup. Dill could always be found at Puyallup’s food bank, where he volunteered and served on the board of directors. He was also a volunteer with the Puyallup Public Library and the Puyallup Police Department.

Dill retired from the Army after 23 years of service, including more than fours years spent in Vietnam. He received numerous awards for his military service, including the bronze star. After earning his Masters of Business Administration degree, he continued his service to the community as a business and accounting professor at Pierce College.

He raised some eyebrows when he decided to run for re-election after running on a one-term platform four years ago. He told the public he ran for a second term because those in his community asked him to. This usually sounds false when candidates explain it’s why they are running for office, but with Dill it sounded appropriate.

Three weeks ago, Dill was re-elected onto the council and would have assumed the role as Puyallup mayor in January. He had big plans and hopes for the future of Puyallup, utilizing the success of Pierce College-Puyallup, Good Samaritan Hospital and Benaroya’s purchase of the former microchip plant. He wanted to see River Road developed and thought Meeker Mansion could become a draw for Puyallup.

Dill’s successor will have large shoes to fill.