Hanover Township residents, especially those involved in its governance, are mourning the loss of township Engineer Fredrick Hay, who died Jan. 9.

At its meeting Jan. 12, Hanover Township Council observed a moment of silence in his memory. It was an unexpected passing for the longtime, long-term official, who was 60 years old.

"Fred started in the township 19 years ago," said council Chairman Bruce Paulus. "That was right at the time when this township starting to develop its business community. He put in a number of long hours reviewing plans and making corrections so that projects could move through the township's planning and approval process."

As Paulus explained, almost every building in the township was a product of Hay's expertise.

Hay graduated from Lafayette College and did advanced degree work at Lehigh University. He rose through the ranks at Keystone Consulting Engineers. He was recently appointed as a partner in the firm.

As the township grew over the past two decades, Hay guided its development.

Notable achievements in Hay's career include the work he did on Airport Center Mall, the award winning Hanover Township Municipal Building, and renovation of Hanover Lake in Canal Park.

"Fred always came in here with a good attitude," said township Manager Sandra Pudliner. "He worked closely with developers and the township staff to make decisions that were fair."

Paulus, who has been a longtime council member, noted Hay knew more about the buildings, infrastructure and roads in the township than anyone else did.

"He will be missed," said Paulus. "Council leaned on his expertise to help us guide our decisions about projects."

The council will continue to rely on Keystone Consulting Engineers for its engineering services in the future.