The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce honored three of its members for high achievement and leadership that helped shape the West Seattle community. The event took place at their April 9 breakfast at Salty's. Chamber president Dawn Leverett of Windermere Real Estate hosted the event and Deputy Mayor Tim Ceis presented the awards.

Warren Lawless received the 2007 Community Service Award for 70 years of work in the West Seattle community. Ceis said of the community historian that he "Left a lasting legacy for all of us to follow."

Lawless said he accepted "In the name of 100 colleagues."

"The award is nice, but I have been rewarded many fold. My satisfaction comes from seeing a community grow and prosper," he said.

Lawless worked for the West Seattle Herald from 1946-1966, starting as a journeyman composing room typographer. His other numerous positions included executive director, Washington Osteopathic Medical Association chief lobbyist, and executive director for both the Hi-Yu Summer Celebration and Junction Shopping Center. He was the West Seattle Kiwanian of the year in 1979 and 1990, and turns 90 this year.

Tom Smith of Tom's Automotive Service received the 2007 Business of the Year Award for "Consistently keeping his level of service high over 37 years in business in West Seattle," according to the Chamber. He began his business alone, and now has eight employees, one who has worked for him 30 years and another for 27. He has received a five-star rating from EnvironStar for his environmentally sensitive handling of hazardous and other waste.

John Musgrave won the Lifetime Membership Award. Musgrave was president of the chamber in 1993. A marketing consultant for Boeing, he then ran his own business. He was second in command on the Expo '74 board Spokane and helped the fair get off and running on time. In 1980 he was vice president of marketing for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid.