Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: BOCC - Board of County Commissioners

Directors' Update: July 16, 2025

Business Meeting: July 22, 2025

Summary:

Agreement for the county to design, procure, install and maintain a memorial sign for the Gary Stamper Memorial Overlook. 

Publications:

Cover Letter To: WSDOT representatives: Cassie Nguyen: cassie.nguyen@wsdot.wa.gov Traci Fleming: traci.fleming@wsdot.wa.gov Dennis Noyes dennis.noyes@wsdot.wa.gov

Additional Copies To:

Resolution

WHEREAS, the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) wishes to honor the memory of Commissioner Gary Stamper, a man who dedicated the bulk of his life to serving the residents of Lewis County before his tragic death in 2021; and

WHEREAS, Commissioner Stamper was a huge advocate of all things timber and transportation in Lewis County. He worked tirelessly to serve the residents of Lewis County, promoting responsible economic growth and attracting family-wage jobs while maintaining the rural lifestyle that Lewis County residents and visitors expect and deserve; and

WHEREAS, Commissioner Stamper spent his earliest years in the town of Riffe, Wash., before his family moved to Mossyrock. After graduating from Mossyrock High School, Commissioner Stamper earned a bachelor’s degree from Central Washington University then a master’s from Heritage University. He then returned to his alma mater, MHS, as a teacher / athletic director (1985-2007) before becoming vice principal / athletic director at North Beach High School (2007-2010) and then principal at White Pass Junior-Senior High School (2010-2015). During his time in education, Commissioner Stamper served as a coach, mentor and friend to countless students, staff, faculty and parents; and

WHEREAS, Commissioner Stamper expanded his role as a public servant in 2015, when he took office as a county commissioner. He prided himself on being an approachable champion for the residents of Lewis County, especially regarding timber and transportation. He helped with projects to widen Interstate 5, relieve congestion at the Napavine interchange, rebuild the Chamber Way overpass, improve fish passage and make repairs to Highway 603, Borst Avenue and Silverbrook Road. He also was instrumental in improving the view of Riffe Lake from the Riffe Lake Overlook, coordinating with various partners to remove trees that blocked the viewpoint; and

WHEREAS, in response to a petition from the BOCC, county staff and others, the Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) in 2023 passed Resolution 749 to rename the viewpoint along Highway 12 the Gary Stamper Memorial Overlook at Riffe Lake, as allowed per RCW 47.01.420; and

WHEREAS, elected officials, county staff and others have donated funds to design and construct a memorial sign at the viewpoint, which is located along State Route 12, approximately 0.4 miles east of the Mossyrock Dam; and

WHEREAS, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) requires an agreement for the design, procurement, installation and maintenance of the memorial sign.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the BOCC hereby approves the agreement with WSDOT for the design, procurement, installation and maintenance of the memorial sign at the Gary Stamper Memorial Overlook at Riffe Lake.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 22nd day of July, 2025.