By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Decatur officials paused Tuesday night to remember and honor a man who played such a huge role in making the city what it is today.
John Schultz, who died Oct. 24 at the age of 76, served four terms, 16 years, on city council, then two terms, eight years, as mayor.
He had a great love for Decatur and many of the advances made in refurbishing the downtown area were the results of John’s efforts, everyone agreed.
“His legacy is living on here,” Councilwoman Abby Wilder said.
Several memories of the former mayor’s family were on hand for the Tuesday night city council meeting where the appreciation for John’s dedication to his community rang loudly.
Included were wife Brenda, son Mike, and daughters Becky Ruble and Lisa Mills.
As part of the special event, Tim Baker, who served as city attorney during John’s two terms as mayor and worked with him during John’s time on council, composed and read a lengthy resolution honoring John, extolling his considerable contributions to the community and family.
Many of the improvements in this city were the results of the combined efforts of John and Tim.
The night was special, also, to Mayor Dan Rickord, who was brought out of the utilities department and made its superintendent by Schultz in 2009.
“John was a mentor to me,” said the mayor, who spoke at John’s funeral. “He loved this community. It was a pleasure to work with him.”
“He made such a difference in my life. He meant a lot to me.”
Others expressed gratitude for the lessons learned at John’s side, for his desire to better his community.
“I learned a lot from John,” Councilman Matt Dyer said. “He had a great love for this city, and for his family even more.
“I owe a lot to John, too,” Councilman Tyler Fulenkamp added. “He’s living through us, I guess.”
City Attorney Anne Razo pointed out that she is “incredibly grateful for the time I had with John.”
“The downtown area owes so much to John,” added Councilman Scott Murray.
“His legacy is living on here. What a tribute to him is seen throughout our city,” Councilwoman Wilder said.
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