A true pillar in the Walnutport community, longtime borough Councilman William Turk, 91, passed away in April.

Following Turk’s passing, council appointed Sam Hartman to the vacant seat.

Since Turk served as president of council, a vote had to be taken to name a successor.

Councilman Michael Gaston was then appointed president.

Gaston, a council member for more than 20 years, said he originally joined council in large part to Turk.

In September, borough council members joined members of the family of the former council president during a memorial dedication at the borough hall.

Turk spent over 30 years as a councilman, the majority of which were as council president.

Borough Mayor Wayne Weidner noted that Turk served on council from 1990 until his passing, including 25 years as council president.

In addition, he said Turk was instrumental in securing funding and purchasing the former Walnutport School while he served on council.