Webster’s online dictionary defines the word neighbor as “fellow man” and community as “a unified body of individuals.” Being  neighborly means to “show kindness or helpfulness to a fellow human.”

Put all three terms together and you have a small idea what the life of Eastside community member and Kingsgate neighbor Rory A. Wilson embodied.

Rory passed away unexpectedly on May 15 from heart disease. His loss is felt throughout our neighborhood and many local communities.

He was laid to rest with full military honors — having served in Dessert Storm — at Tahoma National Cemetery. The memorial service was held at Washington Cathedral in Redmond on May 26 and was attended by over 300 people.

What made Rory such a valuable member of our community?

As a 16-year member of Washington Cathedral, Rory was involved in many areas. He organized  a “Wild at Heart” ministry for men. Rory and his family ran a latte stand at the church with all proceeds going to children who couldn’t afford camp. Over the past 15 years, Rory’s business, Beacon Marketing Group, provided quality apparel and promotional merchandise for local schools, booster clubs and sports teams. The business name refers to  “a beacon of light.” Rory loved helping people by problem solving and never shied away from difficult deadlines or tricky orders. When going through the orders, if Rory saw that even one athlete on the team had not ordered a T-shirt, he would put in an extra so no child was left out.

He also served many local businesses such as Evergreen Academy, Pacific Institute, Fairplay, Sound Mortgage Inc., Kirkland Volunteer Fire, Bridge Ministries, Town and Country and Girly Girl Wine and Gifts.

He had three priorities in life: Faith, country and family.

He loved his family deeply. He cherished his children Brittany, Garret and Amanda  and always reminded them, “I love you but I love your mother more. You will all move out of the house someday. She and I will grow old together.”

Rory passed away at the age of 51, unable to “grow old together” with his wife of over 28 years, Debbie. But his legacy lives on because of the actions he took and the service he gave during his time among us.

Rest in peace Rory A. Wilson, for you were the neighbor and community member we all need.

Cassandra Sage, Kirkland