EPHRATA, Wash. – Grant PUD staff joins the family of Commissioner Dale Walker in mourning his death. Walker, 75, who was serving as a PUD Commissioner since 2011, died on Sunday, Aug. 8, from complications with lung cancer.

"We are all very saddened to learn of Dale's passing," stated Grant PUD General Manager Kevin Nordt. "Our thoughts are with his wife, Cheryl, and his family. Dale treated his fellow commissioners and the PUD staff as part of his extended family. He always strived to do his best as a commissioner to represent our customers. He was not afraid to challenge us to look for ways to improve, but he could do that while being kind and warm. Dale had a wonderful laugh and smile. As a commissioner, he embodied our motto of 'Excellence in service and leadership.'"

Walker was instrumental in leading Grant PUD through a time of significant growth and development. He was a major proponent of the utility's current initiative to extend fiber-optic service throughout the county and of developing financial policy that would pay down debt while keeping power rates low. He strived to ensure that all Grant PUD customers benefitted from the tremendous growth in Grant County.

Walker was elected as commissioner in 2010 to serve in the Second District, which covers part of Moses Lake, and the southeastern portion of Grant County. A long-time resident of Grant County, he was actively involved in agriculture and agriculture research. His family was involved in the development of the Columbia Basin Project. Commissioner Walker served on several local, state and national organizations representing the agricultural industry and, as a PUD commissioner, he also served on the boards of several state and regional electric industry organizations.

About Grant PUD: Established by local residents over 80 years ago, Grant PUD generates and delivers energy to millions of customers throughout the Pacific Northwest. For more information visit www.grantpud.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.