The Lewis County Board of Commissioners has announced the dedication of the “Gary Stamper Memorial Overlook” east of Mossyrock along U.S. Highway 12 will be held on Wednesday, June 4.
In a Tuesday news release, the board of commissioners invited members of the community to attend the dedication of a new panel at the viewpoint that features a photo of Stamper and a dedication statement recognizing his service to the community in his many roles, from county commissioner to educator to coach.
“Gary stood firm in supporting the timber industry, advancing outdoor recreation and ensuring the community's voice was heard,” reads a portion of the dedication. “His passion for his work was rivaled only by his love for his family and friends. Gary’s commitment to his community made a lasting impact. His legacy of service and his dedication to preserving the rural way of life in Lewis County will be remembered here for generations.”
The viewpoint overlooks nearby Riffe Lake and also features a view of the Cascade Mountains to the east. The dedication ceremony will be held at the viewpoint at noon on Wednesday, June 4. County officials noted in the news release that attendees should carpool as parking at the scenic viewpoint is limited.
The new dedication plaque was first approved by the Washington state Transportation Commission in 2023 after a petition from the community led by the Lewis County Board of Commissioners and county staff members. County officials and staff also raised the $3,000 necessary to purchase and install the plaque.
Stamper served as the Lewis County commissioner representing District 3, which encompasses the entire eastern portion of Lewis County, from 2015 until his untimely death at the age of 67. He died Sept. 21, 2021, after a battle with COVID-19.
“Gary wasn’t just a commissioner — he was a friend, a leader and a passionate advocate for the people of Lewis County,” Lewis County Commissioner Lindsey Pollock said. “This overlook reflects the values he championed: Access to the outdoors, appreciation for our rural beauty and service to (the) community.”
During Stamper’s service on the Lewis County Board of Commissioners, he was known for his fierce commitment to advocating for the interests of his district in East Lewis County. He was committed to his work on timber, transportation, rural economic development and rural recreation.
According to the Lewis County Board of Commissioners, he notably advocated for the county to receive federal timber money as part of the Payment in Lieu of Taxes and Secure Rural Schools programs and paved the way for the use of wheeled all-terrain vehicles in east Lewis County.
Stamper is also remembered by community members for his many years as head coach of the Mossyrock High School girls basketball team, which he led to a 2B state championship win and many more playoff appearances.
Here’s the full text that will appear on the plaque:
“This overlook is dedicated to Gary Stamper, a lifelong advocate for Lewis County. As a County Commissioner, principal, teacher and coach, Gary devoted himself to improving the lives of others through his generosity, humor, leadership and selfless acts of kindness. Gary stood firm in supporting the timber industry, advancing outdoor recreation and ensuring his community’s voice was heard. His passion for his work was rivaled only by his love for his family and friends. With a keen focus on timber and transportation, Gary proved instrumental in the success of many key projects, such as widening Interstate 5, paving the way for local WATV use and enhancing the view from this very spot — which overlooks the now-submerged town of Riffe, where Gary spent the earliest years of his life. Gary’s commitment to his community made a lasting impact. His legacy of service and his dedication to preserving the rural way of life in Lewis County will be remembered here for generations.”
