Former county assessor Ben Gassaway dies at 80

During that time, Clark County’s population more than doubled, bursting from 158,000 to 363,400. At the beginning of his term, the county contained 72,000 pieces of property worth $3.14 billion, and by the end, there were 158,000 parcels worth $25 billion.

“He really loved being an elected official,” said Rhoda “June” Gassaway, his wife of 45 years and campaign manager for his bids for the assessor’s seat.

Politics ran thick in the Gassaway family. Brisbin recalls running around the Clark County Fair dressed in an “Elect Gassaway” T-shirt, and the walls of an apartment building the family restored are sheathed with wooden campaign signs because Gassaway didn’t want to waste the wood.

“Anyone who tears down the home will wonder what that means,” June Gassaway said of the “Elect Gassaway” signs.

Gassaway also made an unsuccessful bid for state Senate, attempting to unseat Sen. Don Carlson, R-Vancouver. June Gassaway joked it was her husband’s fault for hiring someone other than her to manage his campaign.

At home, Gassaway was a father of six, stepfather of four and grandfather of 26. The couple also fostered 227 children.

Gassaway was used to a large family, though, Brisbin said. Gassaway and his four brothers grew up on a golf course in Clackamas County, where his family ran a restaurant and lounge.

Gassaway was also passionate about dogs and often supported the Humane Society. In addition to his large family, Gassaway also leaves behind beloved companion, JayDog.

“Jay used to sleep with Ben, and Jay’s having a rough time with it all,” June Gassaway said.

Among his notable political accomplishments was laying the foundation for a joint lobby of the county’s assessor, treasurer and auditor’s office to streamline customers’ visits to the Public Service Center.

Though the lobby did not come into fruition until 2003, a year after he retired, Gassaway worked closely with Auditor Greg Kimsey and Treasurer Doug Lasher to begin the groundwork on the project, which required a change in state law.

“Ben demonstrated many of the characteristics of a very fine public servant,” Kimsey said. “He was dedicated to carrying out his responsibilities, and at the same time providing outstanding service to the public.”

Lasher, who was first elected in 1984, often turned to Gassaway as a sounding board during his first years in office, seeking a safe place to vent or to seek political advice.

“I valued Ben’s advice and council,” Lasher said.

Gassaway was passionate about supporting customers and making local government agencies less intimidating, Lasher said. According to Columbian archives, he often stepped in personally when major industrial property owners disputed their assessments, helping settle conflicts before the county Board of Equalization could hear the appeal.

“He always would do what he could for customers,” he said. “If they had a problem or a question, they would talk to him and try to get it resolved.”

A funeral is planned for 12 p.m. March 12 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Vancouver Stake Center, 10509 S.E. Fifth St.