RANSON, W.Va. — A longtime mayor in Jefferson County has died. Confirmation of the death of Ranson Mayor David Hamill, 71, who’d battled cancer, came on the City of Ranson’s website.
“Mayor Hamill served the City of Ranson and its residents for 30 years and he has overseen the City during a period of remarkable growth and transformation. He will always be remembered for his leadership and unwavering passion for the City of Ranson and its residents,” the announcement read.
Hamill was diagnosed with cancer of the liver duct last year.
On Jan. 11, he wrote an open letter about, what he called, a “dreaded prognosis.” “Unfortunately, my treatment is no longer working,” Hamill told his friends and colleagues at that point.
Hamill died on Friday evening.
“This morning, the City of Ranson wakes up for the first time in almost three decades without the steady presence and mayoral leadership of Dave Hamill,” Duke Pierson, Ranson’s deputy mayor, said in a Saturday statement about Hamill’s death.
Through sunset on Feb. 12, Pierson has ordered all flags in Ranson to be lowered to half-staff as a tribute to Hamill.
Andy Blake, Ranson’s city manager, called Hamill a “passionate leader” who was “always an advocate for Ranson and its residents.”
“While some may not always agreed with his positions or stances on certain issues over the past three decades, no one could question his commitment and dedication to the City and its people,” Blake said. “He worked tirelessly to advance the City and address its challenges.”
As of Saturday morning, funeral arrangements for Hamill had not been finalized.