Port of Grays Harbor District 2 Commissioner Jack Thompson died Thursday from injuries sustained in a fall in Chile, where he was attending the American Association of Port Authorities convention.
Gary Nelson, executive director of the Washington port, said Thompson’s “legacy of economic development and job creation will live on throughout our community and the port industry.”
Thompson joined the port commission in 1994 and was serving his fifth term representing District 2.
Thompson was instrumental in the diversification and development of the port over the past 25 years, Nelson said. He helped expand the port’s cargo portfolio and employment opportunities.
The port said it will begin developing procedures and a schedule for filling the vacant position in the coming weeks. Per state law, the two remaining port commissioners will appoint a new member from District 2 within 90 days of the vacancy.