In memory of former Commissioner of the Port of Whitman and WPPA President John Love

The Washington Public Ports Association extends its sympathy to the friends, family, and broader community of the Port of Whitman after learning of the death of former Commissioner and WPPA President John Love. An early champion of broadband access in Washington state, Love helped the Port of Whitman build 300 miles of dark fiber infrastructure ranging from the City of Spokane to the City of Clarkston.

Over the course of his tenure, Love’s leadership contributed to several of the Port’s major achievements, including the development of Pullman Industrial Park and Port of Whitman Business Air Center, receipt of legal authority for ports to build telecommunications infrastructure and vast improvements to Boyer Park & Marina.

Love also represented Whitman County in the broader port and maritime industry. A former rear admiral in the United States Navy Reserve, Love’s leadership skills landed him seats on ports and waterways boards across the state. He also served on the board of Pacific Northwest Waterways Association and was recently awarded the 2018 Distinguished Service Member Award from the organization.

We thank John Love for his personal dedication to public service during his lifetime, and may his example inspire future generations of Washington’s port commissioners.