He was a local expert on everything from potential pandemics to the West Nile Virus.

During the past few years, Steve Bayer was interviewed by us on those issues and others involving environmental health issues.

Bayer died earlier this week at the age of 52.

He served with the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department for 28 years, and was recently its environmental health officer.

Bayer also recently was president of the West Virginia Public Health Association.

"We had some arguements and some really detailed conversations sometimes," recalls Janie Moore, A registered nurse and Clinical Director for the health department. "But he was a person I could go to, not only about work, but about other things. I know everybody here is going to miss Steve a great deal."

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 Friday morning at Leavitt Funeral Home on 7th Street.