Wm. Blackie

[Thomas J. George]

Observers,

Former Lakewood Mayor Bill Blackie has passed away. I was informed of his death earlier this evening by a fellow Kiwanian.

Bill served as Law Director for many years and when Mayor Robert Lawther was elected to the Common Pleas bench in the late '70s, Bill served as Mayor for about a year until the next general election which saw Anthony Sinagra become mayor.

Upon Sinagra's election, Bill returned to his duties as Law Director and continued to serve in that capacity for many years.

He and his family lived on Indianola Avenue until several years ago.

Bill was a dignified and classy individual. He was a tough, no nonsense attorney and law director, but also blessed with good common sense.

The quality of life we enjoy in this City today is a direct result of his efforts. We all owe him a debt of gratitude for his service.

I am told funeral arrangements will be published in the Plain Dealer.

Our deep appreciation and condolences to his family.

Mayor Tom George