We were shocked and deeply saddened upon the news that our friend and colleague, Sen. Andy Hill, succumbed to the lung cancer he has battled since 2009. He never drew attention to his fight but rather went about the business of representing the 45th Legislative District. That is the definition of integrity, commitment and selflessness. We will miss you, Andy.

We served with Andy for six years. We had our differences over policy issues to be sure but never did we question the commitment Andy brought to the job of representing everyone in the 45th District and the entire state of Washington. When something needed to get done for our district, we all pulled in the same direction and never cared who got the credit.

The 45th District has a history of bipartisan cooperation dating back to the era of Allan Bluechel and Bill Finkbeiner. Andy never shied away from working with the two of us, his Democratic seatmates. During session we enjoyed each other’s company every Tuesday night for dinner at an Olympia restaurant where we shared a glass of wine or a beer and told stories, seldom actually discussing politics.

Tuesdays won’t be the same next year.

To Molly, Katie, Allie and Charlie…you now have a very large extended family that will be there for you.

By Reps. Larry Springer and Roger Goodman