By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – He was a dear friend to many, lended a hand whenever needed and gave 100 percent to the community.
These are just a few of the things for which Andrew Plym will be remembered.
Plym, 62, died Tuesday at Lakeland Regional Hospital in St. Joseph of an extended illness.
Plym was the son of the late Larry and Mary Plym of Niles. The Plym family founded the Kawneer Co., which operated in Niles for many years. The family also at one time owned this newspaper, as well as WNIL radio station.
Plym was known for his philanthropy, particular to law enforcement and firefighting concerns. Many here say he volunteered his time, donated to many different charities and events and made many friends throughout his lifetime. He will most be remembered for his unselfish dedication to this community.
"Andy was a good guy and a good friend. He did a lot for this town and helped out in anyway he could," City Administrator Terry Eull said. "He was a good fellow and will be missed greatly by everyone."
Niles Director of Public Works Neil Coulston agreed Plym did anything he could to benefit the town and people here.
"Andy and I have been friends for many years," Coulston said. "I met Andy at the Department of Public Works. He always gave 100 percent to Niles no matter what."
Coulston continued, saying Plym volunteered on several boards and made monetary contributions, which made him a great asset to the city.
"We'll miss him around here. He went out of his way to help us. he would always let us know if he heard of something on the street that would benefit us. He was our eyes and ears on the streets and it will be different not having him around," Coulston said.
Plym was an honorary member of the Niles Township Fire Department. Its chief, Gary Brovold, said Plym was "a terrific supporter of not only our department, but other fire departments in the Niles area, like the city fire department. He really had an interest in being a fireman, but wasn't able to do that. He enjoyed being a part of our organization and liked to help people. Andy attended lots of our events and lots of county firemen's association meetings. He was well known throughout the county. He made lots of donations on the county level, too."
Niles City Fire Chief Larry Lamb said, "Andy was a great guy and did so much for this city. He did a lot of volunteer work, was a volunteer fire fighter – there just wasn't much he didn't do. We will all miss him."