Public Memorial For Dave Enslow In January

SUMNER, WA - A public memorial service for longtime Sumner mayor and councilman Dave Enslow will be held on Jan. 6 at Calvary Community Church. Enslow was mayor for 12 years, and died just a few weeks before retirement.

The memorial service will happen at 11 a.m. Jan. 6 at Calvary Community Church, 15116 Gary St. East.

The city of Sumner on Wednesday released a statement about Enslow's service, noting he could "quote Shakespeare and classic movies while debating complex tax structures."

He was known for this expansive smile and his razor-sharp wit, for his booming laughter and his ability to nod slowly while pondering all sides to an issue. He would sometimes debate topics endlessly to make sure we had assessed the situation from all sides. He loved to drive his antique vehicles but also walk the streets of Sumner. He'd stop and chat with a complete stranger and the most powerful leaders in government with the same enthusiasm, comfort and humor. And Sumner was blessed that he served on our City Council for eight years and as mayor for the past 12 years.

Mayor Enslow was a rare treasure, able to quote Shakespeare and classic movies while debating complex tax structures. He claimed to be conservative in nature yet devoted his life to regional transit, holding the tenure as the longest serving member of Sound Transit's board. To him, it was simple: public transit is cheaper than more roads. And "cheap" was a positive adjective to him, especially if it meant keeping taxes low. He loved riding his bicycle with wife Bertie on the Sumner Link Trail, yet he saw no need for fancy bicycle gear, happy to don his cap under his helmet and peddle away in loafers.

The Enslow family, the city family, and the region lost him on December 17, when he passed away at Tacoma General. Although it was the day before his planned-for retirement reception, he did get to swear in his successor Bill Pugh on December 11 and enjoy the ribbing and appreciation from the City staff at their annual breakfast on December 13. In true form, he ended the breakfast telling staff that all his work during in office "didn't happen without you; it happened because of you. Thank you for the great send-off." We're pretty sure he'd say that to the entire Sumner community and region.

Image courtesy City of Sumner