The Port Orchard community is shocked by the news of the death of Gil Michael, who owned the Cedar Cove Inn with his wife and was a member of the city’s Planning Commission.

Port Orchard Mayor Tim Matthes confirmed Michael’s death to the media. He died Saturday.

Matthes said Michael’s wife, Kathy, contacted him after her husband’s death, but asked the mayor to not comment further of her husband’s death.

No other details about Michael’s death have been released by the family as of press time Tuesday morning.

Coreen Haydock, former executive director of the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce, said in an email, “It is a death that has huge impact on our community and I’m devastated.”

Michael was former chair of the city’s Planning Commission. He was first appointed to the commission in February 1997.

Councilman Fred Chang  said he was shocked to hear about Michael’s death. He worked with Michael on the Planning Commission.

“I know that he always studied the issues very carefully. He was always one of the best prepared members of the Planning Commission,” said Chang. “Though I did not always agree with his conclusions, I respected his opinions and deliberations.”

Michael, who was a U.S. Navy veteran, was also active with the Port Orchard Bay Street Association (POBSA).

Don Ryan, former POBSA president, said Michael was an at-large board member for the three years while he was president.

“Gil assisted in helping the committee members. He and Kathy graciously hosted our annual retreats for the board up at Cedar Cove Inn,” said Ryan. “He was very involved in our organization for the three years I was involved.”

Michael was re-elected Republican precinct committee officer of Precinct 201 in August when he defeated Ron Johnson.

In 2011, the Michaels spearheaded efforts to place a measure before voters that would have changed the city’s classification. The measure failed to appear on the November ballot.

In 2005, Michael ran unsuccessful against Robert Geiger for the city’s at-large council seat.