By Nancy Covert
Outgoing Steilacoom Town Council member Lowell Bier received an early holiday gift on Dec. 3. The long-time Steilacoom resident and four-year councilman was honored at the December meeting for his service to the community.
“I’ve had a great time (serving) Steilacoom,” said Bier as he accepted an engraved plaque from Mayor Ron Lucas. “I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”
Mayor Lucas, joined by council members Marion Smith, Bruce Judson, Nancy Henderson and Steve Stovall, each thanked their out-going colleague for his term on the council and for his previous years of service to the Town. Before being elected to council, Bier had worked for the Town’s Park Department.
Bier opted not to seek a second term on the council due to health concerns, but he did plan to continue to serve the community in another capacity. Bier and his wife, Jeanne, have lived in Steilacoom for nearly five decades.
Paul Tinsley, Assistant Fire Chief of West Pierce Fire and Rescue (of University Place) also congratulated and thanked Bier, noting that Bier, who’d been a Steilacoom Volunteer fireman, had mentored him at the start of his own fire service career.
Mary Dodsworth, former Steilacoom parks and recreation department head, now working in a similar capacity for the City of Lakewood, added her appreciation for Lowell’s many contributions to the community.
In addition to his council work, Bier also is renowned for his scroll saw skills and his longtime dedication to keeping Steilacoom’s parks in good shape.
Echoing words of past council members who have served Steilacoom during the decades, Bier re-stated his belief in and commitment to “giving back to the community.”
A pair of Beir’s coveralls now find residence at the Bair.
During the holiday season, the essence of Bier can be viewed in his “role” of Farmer Brown. Bier donated a pair of his denim coveralls to artist Jean Dyer Swanson to clothe her newest historic figure.
“Farmer Brown,” complete with pitchfork, mustache and straw hat, was recently added to the Bair Store’s festive decorations, which focus on the smart alec, runaway gingerbread man.
Sheila Wilkes says
Thank you to the Town of Steilacoom for recognizing Lowell Bier, a retiring council member.
After first meeting Lowell in the early 70’s, I soon realized what a treasure he was to the town. If there was a job to do, big or small, Lowell was there to help and always with a smile, willing to take on whatever was needed. He has a refreshing attitude that is rare in our “me” culture. His ever present smile is sometimes mistaken for that of a good ol’ boy, who just “goes with the flow.” Not so, he is an intelligent man, who looks at all sides of an issue, and digs deep to find a reasonable solution. He sincerely cares about those around him, whether it is family, church, friends, townspeople or strangers. He is perceptive even when concerns are not verbalized. And if he can solve a problem or share a joy, he will.
A rare man that we are fortunate to have in our town.
Sheila Wilkes