MONROE — Former City Councilman Marc Mechling died Sunday after a brief bout with brain cancer. He was 59.
A memorial service to remember Mechling — father, husband, outdoorsman and public servant — will be held at 2 p.m. this Sunday at the United Methodist Church, 6202 99th Ave. SE, Snohomish.
Meredith Mechling, his wife of 24 years, remembers him as a man with a quick wit and a big heart.
“He used to kind of anonymously give to people he saw who were in need in the community,” she said. “He didn’t want people to know he was behind it.”
Mechling served on the council for one term, from 2000 to 2003. During his tenure, he advocated for open government, fighting for an independent ethics board.
The council grappled with an ethics ordinance for several years, but many laud its strength today.
A Vietnam veteran, Mechling was devoted to public service, acting as an East County Senior Center board member, fire commissioner and Relay for Life team captain.
He worked professionally as an engineer in the biomedical and aerospace electronics industries.
Mechling had an adventuresome spirit. He loved hiking in the Cascades, skiing at Stevens Pass and skydiving, completing more than 2,000 jumps.
He is survived by his three sons — Morgan, Tim and Chris — and his wife, who also plays an active role in efforts to keep city government open.
Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455, arathbun@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
