Tim St. Clair, 57, the long serving West Seattle Herald reporter died Monday night at about 9 p.m. at Virginia Mason's Bailey Bouchay House where he had been moved earlier in the day from Swedish Hospital.

Tim worked for the Herald and Robinson Newspapers for just under 20 years.

"Tim St Clair was the consummate reporter," said Publisher Jerry Robinson. "I called him the Saint or Mr. West Seattle because wherever I went readers often told me, 'We love the Herald at our house and really appreciate your writer Tim St. Clair.'

"Tim was a proficient journeyman journalist. Always good natured, quietly going about his trade with steadfast dedication to his profession.

"Everyone on the staff respected this dependable craftsman and he served his chosen community well.

"The Robinson newspaper family held great affection for the Saint and he will most assuredly be missed," said a statement by Jerry and Elsbeth Robinson and for the Robinson family.

Editor Jack Mayne said Tim St. Clair was "far more than just a reporter."

"Tim was a friend and a trusted professional," said Mayne. "Tim was the only person I ever worked with who was truly respected in the community he covered. He was Mr. West Seattle in so many ways. Even people who found fault with one of his stories liked the man, Tim St. Clair."

A celebration of life for Tim St. Clair, Mr. West Seattle, is being held on Saturday, March 1st, at the Alki Bathhouse, 2701 Alki Ave. SW., from 4 PM to 7 PM. It is open to the public, Tim's family would love to hear stories about Tim and his time in West Seattle as a reporter for the Herald. There will be photos of Tim from his life as well as mementos and awards and memories of a wonderful man who contributed so much to the community.

Anyone wanting to make a comment about the passing of Tim St. Clair may add comments to this story and if you give us both your first and last name, we will consider adding your words to our print edition story, the issue of March 5. Or, you may e-mail comments to jmayne@robinsonnews.com