Wednesday’s Cosmopolis City Council meeting started on a somber note, with Mayor Kyle Pauley announcing that City Councilman Dale Andrews had passed away Tuesday afternoon at the age of 68.

“It’s obviously a major loss to the city and the community,” said Pauley. “He was such a vital part of the council and the city and community for many years.”

City Councilwoman Candice Makos, Andrews’ mother-in-law, said despite the loss, she couldn’t miss a meeting. “He’s sitting on my shoulder,” she told the council Wednesday.

Former Cosmopolis mayor and current county commissioner Vickie Raines served on the Cosmopolis City Council with Andrews’ wife, Dawn, who passed away in 2011. “He worked hard for our community and the greater good,” said Raines. “Dale was friendly, smart and enjoyed being around people. He’ll be greatly missed, especially his no nonsense way of doing things.”

Andrews was elected to the council and began serving in 2018. During his time on the council, he chaired several committees, and served as Mayor Pro Tempore. Later in Wednesday’s meeting, the council selected Councilman Jim Ancich to take over that role, in which he will act in the role of mayor while Pauley is out of the area on vacation for the next few weeks.

In a statement released after Wednesday’s meeting, Pauley said, “Dale’s tenacity to be as knowledgeable on city issues, despite being sight impaired, was commendable. He did not back away from asking hard questions and holding the city accountable to their residents. He was a vital member of the city.”

Andrews’ passing leaves a void in the council. Pauley told the council that he wanted to expedite the application process to get somebody on board before election filing day, recommending an application deadline of April 14, which the council agreed to. Pauley asked the council to provide questions for applicants, who will be interviewed at the next council meeting April 21, when an appointment may be made.

Pauley called Andrews “irreplaceable” as discussions were made on filling the vacancy. Ancich said Andrews “was a good man.” Makos said, “He loved his time on the council,” and it would be difficult “to find someone who is as committed as he was” to the council.

Cosmopolis residents eligible to hold public office can submit a letter of intent and resume to the City of Cosmopolis by mail to PO Box 2007, Cosmopolis, WA 98537 or email to jpope@cosmopoliswa.gov prior to April 14.

There will be a graveside service for Andrews at 1 p.m. Monday at Forest Hill Cemetery in Cosmopolis.