Former Grays Harbor Public Hospital District No. 1 Commissioner Louie Figueroa, who served on the board for more than 15 years, died June 8, according to a Summit Pacific Medical Center statement.

Figueroa played a role in bringing a new hospital and wellness center to Elma and a new medical clinic to McCleary.

“We will remember the joy and life he brought to this organization and our community,” said Summit Pacific Medical Center CEO Josh Martin. “His work was instrumental in making Summit Pacific a trusted partner in health and well-being for our community.”

Figueroa’s interest in the medical field began as an EMT volunteer fireman in Renton. He would soon join the United States Navy and work as a hospital corpsman, later attending the University of Washington under the Physician Assistant program. He worked his most recent job as a Physician Assistant for the Washington State Department of Corrections at Stafford Creek Correctional Center.

A dedication plaque will be placed in the Summit Pacific Quality Department. The family plans to hold a memorial service in August.