Former Sandpoint mayor passes away

SANDPOINT — Artist, activist and former Sandpoint mayor Gretchen Hellar, 71, passed away Friday at her home following a battle with cancer.

Hellar was remembered as a strong proponent of human rights, as well as dedicated, pragmatic leader who influenced Sandpoint during a key point in its history. Likewise, she served as a community leader through her volunteer work with many organizations, the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force perhaps closest to her heart.

During her four-year term as mayor from 2008 to 2012, one of the biggest projects for the community was the construction of the Sand Creek Byway. According to Susan Kiebert, who worked closely with both the city and Idaho Transportation Department on the project, Hellar initially opposed the byway. Once she was elected mayor, however, she listened to all sides of the discussion and eventually came to support the project. To Kiebert, it was a great example of her reasonable approach to government.

“She started out as an adversary of the byway and became an advocate,” Kiebert said. “Gretchen was a wonderful leader for the community.”

The Sandpoint Comprehensive Plan was another important effort finalized and approved during Hellar’s term in office. A robust planning process accompanied the drafting of the plan, which laid out the blueprint for Sandpoint’s development for the next 20 years. According to Sandpoint Planning and Zoning Director Jeremy Grimm, it took 29 council meetings to develop and pass the plan in 2009. Throughout the process, Hellar was guiding force in keeping discussions on track, he said.

“This is simply one of a number of indelible impressions that Gretchen left on Sandpoint,” Grimm said. “We are very lucky to have had such a tireless servant who always championed equality and the greater good for humanity.”

According to Helen Newton, longtime city clerk and former councilwoman, Hellar was astute in her ability to maintain an open mind despite having strong opinions of her own. Newton supported Hellar’s candidacy for mayor and worked with her as a councilwoman. While they often disagreed, they never lost sight of their deeper friendship and mutual respect, she said.

“Even through our disagreements, I respected and admired her strongly-held beliefs and opinions, particularly about fairness and justice,” Newton said. “She was generous with her time and talents and with her support of candidates and causes. She had much to offer and has passed too soon.”