'Till We Meet Again

The image I'm keeping is that of Jimmie Cates on his lunch hour, removing a pitchfork from his truck and clearing out ditches. That's more service than the American Fork Irrigation Company bargained for when Jimmie became the City Council delegate to its board.

His many virtues were well accounted for at his funeral this morning. He was careful, measured, studious, fair, honest, and thoughtful of his fellow man. He was true to his family and to his church.

But I would venture to do here what has not been done elsewhere: To name the political legacy Jimmie left to the City of American Fork.

I believe it is Jimmie we must thank for the successful passage of the water bond which now assures us an adequate water supply for the next 50 years. It was Jimmie who labored to understand the complexities of the question, then to persuade his fellows on the City Council and at the Irrigation Company. He forged a meaningful consensus between these two bodies, then attended countless meetings with the public to listen, judge, and testify.

Who, having seen Jimmie with his pitchfork, could doubt his sincerity?

I have tremendous respect for Jimmie and will miss him now that he has moved on.

'Till we meet again.