Union County commissioners read resignation letter, offer condolences after Commissioner Gary Sides’s death
April 20, 2026 | Union County, North Carolina
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Chairman Helms opened the April 20 meeting of the Union County Board of Commissioners by reading in full a letter from Commissioner Gary Marshall Sides that the board received March 31 and Sides asked be entered into the record.
In the letter Sides described his public service goals and health struggles: “From an early age, I always wanted to be involved in some way to work with others to make the community I lived in a better place for all,” and later wrote that he had been diagnosed with glioblastoma and was submitting “my resignation from the board effective March 31st, 2026.” The reading concluded with the phrase recorded in the letter: “Gary Marshall sites, Union County Board of Commissioners.”
The board paused for a moment of silence and then moved into commissioner remarks. Chairman Helms, Commissioner Balkan and others recalled Sides’s work on behalf of senior services, his advocacy for special‑needs students and his presence at community events. Commissioner Helms said Sides “was passionate” about supporting both children and seniors, and noted his “zealous” approach to service.
Residents and civic leaders also came forward during public comment to offer condolences and memories. Michael Ivola, a community engagement manager at the Community Shelter of Union County, described volunteer programs Sides supported; other speakers praised Sides’s accessibility and longtime local involvement.
The board announced a brief recess and then continued with the published agenda. Commissioners and staff said the family’s wishes would be honored in how the board handles next steps. The board has not yet taken any formal action related to filling Sides’s vacant seat beyond scheduling the process described in public comments.
A memorial service for Commissioner Sides was announced to be held Sunday (details were provided to the family and posted publicly). The board closed the public comments portion of the meeting and proceeded to the regular agenda.
In the letter Sides described his public service goals and health struggles: “From an early age, I always wanted to be involved in some way to work with others to make the community I lived in a better place for all,” and later wrote that he had been diagnosed with glioblastoma and was submitting “my resignation from the board effective March 31st, 2026.” The reading concluded with the phrase recorded in the letter: “Gary Marshall sites, Union County Board of Commissioners.”
The board paused for a moment of silence and then moved into commissioner remarks. Chairman Helms, Commissioner Balkan and others recalled Sides’s work on behalf of senior services, his advocacy for special‑needs students and his presence at community events. Commissioner Helms said Sides “was passionate” about supporting both children and seniors, and noted his “zealous” approach to service.
Residents and civic leaders also came forward during public comment to offer condolences and memories. Michael Ivola, a community engagement manager at the Community Shelter of Union County, described volunteer programs Sides supported; other speakers praised Sides’s accessibility and longtime local involvement.
The board announced a brief recess and then continued with the published agenda. Commissioners and staff said the family’s wishes would be honored in how the board handles next steps. The board has not yet taken any formal action related to filling Sides’s vacant seat beyond scheduling the process described in public comments.
A memorial service for Commissioner Sides was announced to be held Sunday (details were provided to the family and posted publicly). The board closed the public comments portion of the meeting and proceeded to the regular agenda.
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