I am stunned and saddened by Gabe Rygaard's death.  I got to know Gabe only through the recently completed County Commissioner primary election campaign.  I found him to be a caring and concerned person who was sincerely interested in the welfare of Clallam County.  He wanted to do his part to improve our lives.  The manner in which he conducted his campaign and discussed the issues important to him was exemplary.

 Just two days ago Gabe and I had a long, very pleasant and informative lunch together.  I was looking forward to many more discussions with him, and to the logging industry tours that he offered to take me on.  I was also looking forward to discussing with him some day the topic of coaching kids' sports, a passion that he and I both shared.  It is just shocking to suddenly have these possibilities removed.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Katie and his family.  This type of tragedy is so difficult to comprehend.  I wish there was something I could do to ease your pain.