ELKINS – Randolph County Commissioners and others attending the most recent County Commission paid their respects to the late Chris See and announced what the process will be in replacing the long-time commissioner.   

See, who passed away on June 28 at the age of 65, was in his third term as a Randolph County Commissioner in the Tygart District. He was elected for the third time in 2020.    

During Thursday’s meeting, a large black ribbon was placed in front of See’s chair next to his name plate. Commissioner Cris Siler started the meeting by asking for prayers for See and his relatives.     

“I would like to start with a moment of silence for Chris See and his family,” Siler said. “If you could think of him and his family I would greatly appreciate it. I know his family needs to be lifted up right now to get through this time. Chris was the strength of that family and the rock forever for his wife Debbie and their children.”   

Siler talked about how much the other Commissioners will miss See and his knowledge.     

“He will be deeply missed by this Commission because he was very knowledgeable,” Siler said. “He was able to help Dave (Kesling) and I in several things when we were working on older stuff. He remembered who was there, why we did it, and any other part of that we needed to know. That knowledge can’t be replaced.”   

Rhett Dusenbury, senior field representative for Congressman Riley Moore, R-W.Va., offered his condolences to the See family.     

“His (Moore) thoughts and prayers are with Chris’s family,” Dusenbury said. “He (See) was a good man, a good asset to the community, and a good citizen who will be deeply missed. But if there is anything the Congressman can do, please reach out.”     

Before explaining the process for replacing See, Commission President Kesling spoke about his longtime colleague.   

“Commissioner See had served on the County Commission for almost 18 years, December would have been his full 18 years,” Kesling said. “I served eight years with him and he was a true asset, not only to the county but to this Commission. He brought a wealth of knowledge and I considered him like a historian for the Commission because any time we were doing anything that we had done in the past, you could always trust he would give you good, sound advice. So I know that I’m going to miss him, along with every elected official and every county employee.”     

Kesling said he and Siler will select See’s replacement for the remainder of this year.   

“We are announcing today that any Democrat from the Tygart District is eligible to fill the spot,” Kesling said. “If anyone is interested they need to reach out to Melinda (Lott) at the County Commission Office and let us know. By the time we have our next meeting we should have the names.”   

Kesling said the Commission will take the list of names and narrow it down to three people before making a decision. The election for See’s seat will be in November.    

The next Randolph County Commission meeting will be July 15 at 1:30 p.m.