The Eye was saddened this morning to learn of the death Sunday of Bill Friedman, former Bend mayor and veteran city councilor, of complications following surgery at St. Charles Medical Center.
Through the years we had many contacts with Friedman, both in business and in the journalistic context. He was invariably articulate, good-humored, and patient in explaining complex issues and answering dumb questions. His passing leaves a big hole on the city council and in the community.
Friedman was 72. At this writing it isn’t known whether the council will appoint a replacement or hold a special election to fill his council seat.
This article appears in Nov 6-12, 2008.
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Bill was my friend and he was instumental in helping me start up and succeed as a small business owner in downtown Bend. He encouraged me, gave me great advice and was always available to talk. I will miss him.
Bill proved that not all of the good die young. A class act for those who had the good fortune to know him. He cared about Bend–not an ideological agenda.