By RITA JEAN WAGAR

The Granger community is mourning the loss of recent Granger Fire Department Capt. Bob Dalziel, 65, a 23-year veteran of Granger Fire and Rescue, who passed away unexpectedly Feb. 16. He retired from the fire department Jan. 31 and subsequently accepted the position of township service department director.

Flags at the township administration building and the fire department flew at half-staff and the message board in front of the administration building announced "Bob D.; 2-16-12; Always Remembered" to honor a man who had dedicated his life to serving the Granger community.

Former fire Chief John Hadam, who was a long-time close friend of Mr. Dalziel, said, "Bob was one of the most dedicated people on the department. When he worked as a manager at Progressive Insurance, he would stop by the department on his way home, still dressed in a suit and tie, to see if he was needed. If so, he jumped right in to help, with no thought of going home to change clothes. He will be deeply missed."

Former fire department Capt. Sherri Kedzior, said, "Bob's one purpose was to help the community. He was a great asset to the fire department and a great CPR instructor."

And so it went. Trustee John Ginley, who also joined the fire department about 23 years ago, "because about the same time Bob joined, he convinced me I should," he said, adding, "There is nothing Bob wouldn't do to help anyone at any time. And he was also a good family man."

The tributes continued as trustee Rich Pace said, "Bob had a wonderful sense of community. He did so much for the residents of our township yet never made himself the center of attention. The residents of Granger Township lost a member of the community who truly put service above self."

Pace concluded with, "I hope the community that has received so much from Bob's service will find the time to give a well-deserved thank you to his family, which has unselfishly shared him with the township."

Trustee Teri Berry noted, "Bob was truly devoted to Granger Township. Whether he was serving as captain of the fire department, helping fix township computer issues, talking to school kids and youth groups about safety, or most recently as service director, Granger residents could depend on Bob to lend a helping hand. We are deeply saddened at his sudden passing and he will certainly be missed."

Fiscal Officer Barb Beach added "For more than 23 years, Bob was both a colleague and a friend who gave his all to his community. He will be greatly missed."

Dalziel, who served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, is survived by his wife, Jean, sons Michael of West Palm Beach, Fla., Nicholas of Medina, Mark and his wife Mary of Rittman; granddaughter Ashlyn; brothers, David of Pennsylvania and John of Berea; sisters, Mary Anne Michney of Helena, Ohio and Deborah Dalziel of Florida.

Services were scheduled for 11 a.m. Feb. 25 at Holy Martyrs Church.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Jean Dalziel, c/o Granger Township, 3717 Ridge Road, Medina, Ohio 44256.