Mayor Wally Nichols was a true gentleman and scholar.

Through the years I was able to interact with Wally in a variety of ways – mentor, mayor, friend, newspaper source, brother in Christ, Sister City colleague and more.

He took over as mayor during a critical time, one of the darkest political times in our young history as a Town of Fountain Hills.

He brought pragmatism and common sense back to local government, using his personnel and business skills to guide Fountain Hills toward a better future, one with a strategic plan and fiscal responsibility.

He righted the sinking ship, but Wally really didn’t seek the limelight. He was always quick to allow others to take credit.

And his generosity knew no limits. There are probably not too many groups or “causes” in Fountain Hills that haven’t felt his generous spirit in one way or another. If he wasn’t donating money or contributing sports memorabilia, he was giving away something else. He gave his leadership skills to many groups as well.

Brenda and I had the good fortune to accompany Mayor Wally and Sheila to Germany as he signed documents in a grand ceremony to formalize the Sister City relationship between Fountain Hills and Dierdorf, Germany.

He was an awesome ambassador for the United States, for Arizona and, of course, his beloved Fountain Hills.

His quick wit will be missed, as will his friendship and open arms.

The last time I saw him? Where else? At Tina Duffy’s fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club just a few weeks ago. It was another organization near and dear to his generous heart.

“Did you watch the stock market today?” he asked, mindful of my career change.

Typical Wally – putting others first. Thanks for all you’ve done, Mayor Wally. You will be missed.