Sad Times

As we mourn the deaths of four brave public employees, the four Lakewood police officers ambushed and murdered Sunday, we remember two Federation members:

• Michael Nelson, a former member of the WFSE/AFSCME Executive Board and longtime activist with Local 931 at Eastern Washington University, died Sunday afternoon after a long battle with cancer, according to the local's Tom McArthur. Nelson passed away about 5:30 p.m. at his home, surrounded by friends and family. Mike was also a former Local 931 president and served on the Higher Education Policy Committee, the Grievance Committee and the Finance Committee. Final arrangements are pending. The entire Federation family extends its condolences to Mike's family and Local 931.
  

• Neal Richards, the Local 1556 DOT member killed on the job Nov. 19 after being struck by a falling branch, was laid to rest Saturday (Nov. 28) after the hearse carrying his body led a miles-long motorcade of DOT, Washington State Patrol, PUD and other vehicles driven by those who knew and respected him.
  

The motorcade stretched from the Drennan & Ford Funeral Home in Port Angeles to the Sequim View Cemetery some 16 miles away in Sequim.

Along the route, members of the public stopped to pay their respects, including two firefighters from the local fire department who parked their emergency vehicles, with red lights flashing, outside their station as the motorcade passed.

At the cemetery, the Rev. Art Morlin said final prayers over Richards's casket as hundreds, many wearing DOT orange armbands, gathered to say a final goodbye.
DOT's David Dye read letters of condolence from Gov. Chris Gregoire and DOT Secretary Paula Hammond.

Mourners then trekked back to the Port Angeles Elk Lodge for a memorial service and reception where they shared special remembrances.