DAYTON-Craig George, who served as Dayton's mayor from 2008, until his resignation on April 30 of this year. He passed away at his new home in Tucson, Arizona on Aug. 15.

George and his wife, Kathy, were well-loved Dayton citizens and civic volunteers. George first served on Council in 2004, until he was elected mayor in 2008.

In April, County and City staff friends and colleagues gathered to show appreciation for George's 15 years of service to the City. City employees presented him with a gold watch and Anderson Perry & Assoc. engineers presented George with framed photos of City projects that were completed under his terms as mayor.

As mayor, George made a point of being accessible and open to the public. George viewed increasing the City's savings, finding new funding sources and upgrading infrastructure among his greatest accomplishments as mayor.

"Mayor Craig always had time for whatever you needed him for. Mayor Craig was always fair. I won't forget him," said Dayton Public Works Director Jim Costello.

He represented Dayton by serving on the board of the Association of Washington Cities and later becoming board president.

George was highly regarded in the community.

"Craig George was a true believer in serving his community, he was a great leader, and a wonderful person. He will be greatly missed by all," said Dayton City Hall Administrative Assistant Connie Westergreen.

"Craig was such an asset to the town of Dayton and Grace Church, and a good friend to everyone. He put in a lot time and dedication into everything he endeavored," said Christine Broughton."