On Jan. 16, Billy “Bud” Rhynalds was killed by a falling tree during a storm while he set up safety cones on State Route 203 near Carnation, in rural King County. Today, members of the Washington State Senate paused to remember Rhynalds, a 12-year maintenance employee with the Washington State Department of Transportation.

“He was helping to protect motorists from water over the roadway during that powerful storm,” said Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, “and he ended up giving his life for them. It’s something we don’t often think about, and I’m proud to support this resolution honoring Mr. Rhynalds.”

King, the ranking Republican on the Senate Transportation Committee, cosponsored Senate Resolution 8609 and gave thanks to Rhynalds and members of his family gathered in the Senate gallery for Rhynalds’ dedication and service to the state of Washington.

“Bud was a very valuable state employee, and sometimes we don’t think about how dangerous these jobs can be until a tragedy like this happens, and that’s unfortunate,” King said. “I hope his family knows that we are praying for them and thinking about them during their time of grief.”

Rhynalds was a veteran of the Washington State National Guard and was in a position to retire, but despite objections from his family he continued working because of his love of the outdoors. He is survived by his wife, Betty, and a large extended family, including children, grandchildren, brothers, and sisters.

Rhynalds is the 59th DOT employee to die on the job during the agency’s 105-year history.