Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Standard Examiner Article

West Bountiful City Councilman Biada dies at age 66

By Bryon Saxton (Standard-Examiner Davis Bureau)

Last Edit: May 4 2010 - 11:31pm

WEST BOUNTIFUL -- On April 29, two days after his 66th birthday, West Bountiful City Councilman George Biada Jr. died of an apparent heart attack.

The former member of the city's planning commission believed in accountable and responsible government, according to campaign information he shared with the Standard-Examiner in 2009.

He was elected to the council in November and took office in January.

A viewing for Biada was held Tuesday. The funeral is set for 11 a.m. today at the LDS West Bountiful 8th Ward church building, 311 N. 800 West, West Bountiful.

Out of respect to Biada, the city council canceled its regularly scheduled May 4 meeting.

"It was pretty unexpected," West Bountiful City Administrator Craig Howe said of the death.

He said Biada will be missed.

Being from New York, Biada had a straightforward approach when it came to getting things done, Howe said.

"(Biada) was our unifier and peacemaker," he said. "He had a talent for bringing people together and solving difficult issues."

The council will fill Biada's seat by appointment after taking applications for the position over a period of time, Howe said.

"We're in no hurry to do that now. I expect that process will take place in June."

West Bountiful Mayor Ken Romney said Biada was a hard-driven man who was instrumental in working through some major issues involving some local businesses.

Being a man of character who was both dynamic and headstrong were just a few of Biada's qualities, Romney said.

Biada had a big heart and realized the importance of city leaders being unified with the other entities and businesses that make up the community, Romney said.

"(Biada) had plans. It is a loss for the city."

Romney said he anticipates it will be some time before a replacement for Biada is named to the council.

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