We learned Tuesday morning that Councilmember Greg Reinke passed away unexpectedly at his home. This is a great loss for Sumner, and it’s why our City’s flags are currently at half-staff. In government, we talk about policies and plans and laws, but really, the heart of everything we do is people. And, Greg was one of the best. He was Sumner. He knew everybody and showed up for every meeting and gathering. He was social without the media, and we were all the better for it. As many of you know, Greg worked his career with Sumner Fire and then East Pierce Fire and Rescue after the merger. I think anyone experiencing an emergency would have to feel so much better just hearing his booming voice coming to help them. We can’t count all the incidents and people he helped through his career. Not content to sit back in retirement, he came onto the City Council. He learned municipal budgeting and land use issues. He represented us at the Association of Washington Cities meetings and on Pierce County Regional Council. And he always drove the antique Kenworth in parades, waving and running that siren.
All of that is great, but how I really knew Greg was the guy walking all around Sumner, saying hi to everyone, whether he knew them or not. I wonder for how many new residents, Greg was the first person they met in town. Please hold his family as well as his many friends and neighbors in your hearts. This is a great loss for Sumner in so many ways. And if this news leaves you feeling a bit down and not sure what to do, I have one suggestion: go to Rhubarb Days this weekend. Treat yourself to something to eat or drink. Chat with friends, neighbors and strangers. Let’s share Greg’s welcoming spirit in his memory and honor. I think that would make him laugh. So, I’ll be sure to see you downtown this weekend, because I know I would have seen Greg there.
Mayor Carla Bowman
