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May 1, 2008 
| Remembering Dr. Gordon Hungar Dr. Gordon Hungar was a leading figure in Lake Forest Park Water District for over three decades following his appointment to a District Commissioner post on July 18, 1977 that was being vacated by departing Commissioner Mr. Metke. When Gordon arrived on the scene the District was coping with severe problems of deteriorating infrastructure. Records show that staff had repaired 28 water main and meter leaks in a three-week period during this time. |
Dr. Hungar worked tirelessly to improve the District, and presided over the replacement of nearly 6 miles of watermains – nearly half of the total. For the past six years Dr. Hungar was a key team member in protecting the District’s pristine aquifer water supply-which was threatened by the proposed Brightwater sewer effluent tunnel. The multi-billion dollar tunnel, originally designed to bisect the aquifer, pitted a small water District against King County in a David and Goliath like confrontation that eventually resulted in agreements to ensure protection of the District water source.
As always, Gordon was practical and methodical – and also humorous! “Mind Boggling” was a frequent phrase as he grappled with government waste, bureaucracy, or lack of responsibility. As a leader, Dr. Hungar brought careful, disciplined and down to earth experience that proved critical to the District’s success. He frequently referred to successful cost saving approaches that worked in his Dental or later, his rental-landlord business. Dr. Hungar was known for his excellent ability to appraise real vs. apparent needs and prioritize accordingly. He was ever mindful of economy and simplicity. In a personal sense Dr. Hungar is remembered as candid and genuine in all dealings. Praise was sparse, but his principled commitment to duty left no doubt as to what he valued.
Lake Forest Park Water District shares a deep sense of loss with the absence of Dr. Hungar. We are mindful of what this may mean to his wife Julie and other immediate family members and we offer our heartfelt sympathies to them.
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