“I would call him a mentor,” Ripp added. “He was someone with a lot of experience in the business world, and I could definitely bounce ideas off of him. He will be dearly missed.”
Lampton, a Vietnam veteran, moved from Northern California to Washougal in 2003. He was a real estate broker with Windermere Crest Realty Co., in Camas, for more than six years before he retired.
Lampton’s previous occupations included working as a sales representative for television stations.
Port Commissioner Bill Ward said Lampton was a valuable contributor to the port and its commission.
“He was the driving force behind our economic development and community outreach programs,” Ward said. “He was an accomplished marketer who continually devoted his talents to public service.
“His talents and enthusiasm will be missed,” Ward added.
Lampton was serving his second, 4-year term, which was scheduled to end Dec. 31, 2016. He represented District 1.
Ripp said there will probably be discussion about the appointment process for Lampton’s successor at today’s port commission meeting at 5 p.m., in the port office meeting room, 24 S. “A” St., Washougal.
Lampton served as secretary of the Camas-Washougal Economic Development Association board of directors.
CWEDA President/Chief Executive Officer Paul Dennis credited Lampton with the idea of creating the economic development association.
“His incredible vision and leadership is what brought it to fruition,” Dennis said. “His constant pursuit for us to be innovative and be a leader in local economic development is a main reason we have been so successful.
“Mark’s contributions will be felt for generations,” he added. “He will be sorely missed by everyone.”
Washougal Mayor Sean Guard and Camas Mayor Scott Higgins served on the CWEDA board.
Guard described Lampton as a very positive and calm influence for the local communities.
“Even though he was a transplant from California, he quickly fell in love with Washougal and Camas and was a wonderful cheerleader,” Guard said. “I will miss my friend.”
Higgins said Lampton worked hard to make the Camas-Washougal communities better, and he was a driving force behind CWEDA being formed.
“He championed economic development issues and cared very deeply for good governance,” Higgins said. “Our community will miss his leadership.”
Lampton is survived by his wife, Charlene, and their basset hound, Bogart.
Lampton and Bogart can be seen visiting Capt. William Clark Park, in the “Welcome to the Port of Camas-Washougal” video on CWEDA’s website, www.cweda.org.
“The video was another vision/idea that Mark came up with and promoted,” Dennis said.
Lampton served on the Columbia River Economic Development Council’s board of directors, as well as the CREDC executive and policy committees.
“Mark was a kind, intelligent, humorous and caring man who made those around him feel comfortable and welcome,” said CREDC President Mike Bomar. “He had a brilliant economic mind and an amazing passion for his Camas/Washougal community, as well as for our region.
“His loss hits me hard personally and will be deeply felt across our organization,” Bomar added. “He stayed active in the CREDC up to his final days and always retained a positive attitude.”
Washougal City Administrator David Scott said Lampton was great to work with as a port commissioner and CWEDA board member.
“He was strongly committed to our community and to the mission of the port, and he valued the partnership between the port and the two cities,” Scott said.
Camas City Administrator Pete Capell described Lampton as a gentleman who was always good natured and pleasant.
“He contributed greatly to the port and CWEDA,” Capell said. “While on the port commission, I always felt he had the best interest of the City of Camas in mind.
“He represented the port and our community professionally and contributed significantly to our recent successes,” Capell added. “He will be greatly missed.”
Straub’s Funeral Home & Columbia River Cremation, in Camas, is in charge of the arrangements, which are pending at this time.
