Duane Dice, retired civil engineer, passed away last week as the result of several brain aneurysms cause by a serious infection.

The Angwin community has lost a good friend and contributor to the common good. Duane had become invaluable as a consultant to the Howell Mountain Water Company in recent years. Drawing on his 35 years of experience with the Bechtel Company, he gave good advise to the water company on serious system problems. He became particularly concerned about protection of the watershed areas surrounding the reservoirs, and carried those concerns to County government. He and President Delmer Fjarli worked together to win policies in the new General Plan to protect the water quality enjoyed by approximately 400 Angwin households.

Just a few weeks ago, Supervisor Diane Dillon nominated him to serve on a commission to advise the Board on water systems.

Duane's work with Bechtel included supervision of major refinery and pipeline projects here and abroad. He played a key role in construction of the Riyahd airport in Saudi Arabia.

It is hard to replace people like Dice.