Frank "Syl" Sylvin Fulwiler

F. Sylvin Fulwiler passed away October 26, 2009 in Spokane, Washington. Syl served as Spokane's City Manager, its Chief Executive, from 1963 to 1977--a period when Spokane was transformed from a declining urban center to a world-destination "Expo City" and an officially designated All-American City. He had an administrator's hand in almost everything that happened in the development of Spokane during a crucial period, from acquiring a failing bus system and creating the present system, to construction of the Public Safety Building, to revamping the city's sewage treatment system. Riverfront Park was planned, cleared and developed by Fulwiler's City Hall staffs. Former Mayor David Rodgers, who was mayor through most of Fulwiler's tenure with the city, said: "Syl Fulwiler was an outstanding chief executive officer for our city. He earned the respect of city councils and the respect and loyalty of city employees. By nature, he was mild mannered and had no inclination to be the center of attention. On the other hand, when the situation called for it, he could be very forceful, leaving no doubt about his position on an issue. He was a great city manager." Born on November 3, 1915, in Oroville, Wash., Fulwiler was brought to Spokane by his parents as an infant. He attended Spokane schools and completed his freshman year at Lewis and Clark High School before his family moved to Seattle. He graduated from the University of Washington in 1940 and, after service in the Navy, launched a career in professional city administration. Fulwiler was city manager of Chula Vista, Calif., when he was selected to become city manager in Spokane in 1963. He stepped into a very precarious situation. Spokane had just launched the city manager system of government--and a sizable portion of the citizens was campaigning to get rid of it. His predecessor in the job had resigned after only two years. In city hall Fulwiler gained a reputation as caring, logical, and taciturn. It was one of his management principles to let his department heads represent their work before the public and take the credit for it. But Fulwiler answered to the city council for any problems. Jack Roberts, the city hall reporter for The Spokesman-Review for over 20 years, complained good-naturedly that he never got a news tip from the stoic, all-business city manager. But when Fulwiler retired, Roberts wrote in The Spokesman-Review: "Syl Fulwiler is an amiable, clear-thinking administrator who is invariably cool under fire. It is doubtful that anyone at City Hall can recall a time when he lost his composure or showed the slightest flare of temper. He is revered by the city's working staff." Fulwiler resigned on principle early in 1977, at the age of 61, when a group of new council members insisted on getting involved in the business of city departments directly, which was a violation of the city charter under the city manager form of government. When he stepped down, the city's business and government leadership filled a book with testimonials to his service. Former mayor, Neal R. Fosseen wrote: "You should feel very proud that you have always been steadfast in your principles, never leaving any doubt as to your true and definite position." Former city council member and industrialist, Luke Williams wrote: "The accomplishments of our city are unparalleled anywhere in the world and your leadership, integrity and stability added greatly to this most wonderful period of time in Spokane." Former Park Board President Donald Schoedel wrote: "Spokane has made almost unbelievable progress during your tenure, and this is due in no small part to your leadership, ability and foresight." Frank J. Bouten, the prominent Spokane contractor, said: "Your efforts, hard work and devotion have led this city to greatness." Bouten added that many people may not appreciate how a good city manager contributes to a great city, but, "I, for one, do understand." After finishing his career in an administrative post for the Washington State General services Administration in Olympia, Fulwiler and his wife, Hope, retired to the Sans Souci development on the Spokane River. Syl especially enjoyed golf, watching sports and loved to go fishing. Fulwiler was active in many charitable and lodge activities. He was a member of Harmony Masonic Lodge #18 in Olympia, Scottish Rite Bodies, El Katif Shriners, El Katif Provost Guard, Shriners Hospital Million Dollar Club, ROJ, and the Prosperity Club. Fulwiler is survived by his beloved and devoted wife, Hope, daughter Janice Deem (Robert), stepson Mike Mumford, stepdaughter Bonnie Brown, grandchildren Stephanie, Lindsey, Makenzie,Ross; nephew, Brian (Helen) Fulwiler; and niece, Kyle (Mike) Suave. He was preceded in death by his beloved brother Cliff and his first wife "Bo". A memorial service will be held Thursday, Nov. 5, at 2p.m., RIPLINGER FUNERAL HOME, 4305 N. Division, Spokane, WA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests any contributions be sent to the Shriners Hospital for Children, POB 2472, Spokane, WA 99210-2472