Ester Wilfong (1929-2022) served on the WSSRA State Legislative Committee for twenty-two years, eighteen of which were as committee chair. He was a member of WSSRA for forty years. Ester spent his teaching career in middle schools as a teacher and principal. Ester served as a local, state, and national education policy specialist and representative for Washington Education Association and National Education Association.
Ester relentlessly pursed better lives for school retirees from all job classes. Having spent decades personally lobbying policymakers, he also coordinated WSSRA’s organization wide efforts to improve the financial security of retirees and seniors. Legislators respected him and knew him as an honest broker and a straight shooter who cared deeply for his community. Committed to civic engagement and democracy, Ester changed public policy for the better and enhanced the well-being of countless Americans.