It was an emotional April 15 meeting for the Mercer Island City Council.

During the group’s first regular meeting since the passing of councilmember Daniel “Jake” Jacobson, the city memorialized his seat with a bouquet of flowers placed on the council’s desk in Jacobson’s usual spot.

Before reading a resolution acknowledging and commending Jacobson’s service to the Mercer Island community, Mayor Salim Nice said that flowers were “something that was a central part of Jake’s life.”

A previous Reporter story noted that Jacobson, who died at the age of 82 following a medical emergency on March 30, enjoyed tending to his garden that featured his prized dahlias. Jacobson was a distinguished Navy veteran, attorney and longtime civic leader who served on council from January 2020 to March 2025.

The resolution reads, in part: “Councilmember Jacobson will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to public service. He leaves behind a legacy of leadership, integrity, and a heartfelt commitment to Mercer Island. Thank you for everything, Jake. You will be dearly missed.”

During Jacobson’s time on council, he worked tirelessly during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to support businesses and residents, contributing to Mercer Island’s recovery; helped council adopt the Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan in 2022 and the Climate Action Plan in 2023; supported Youth and Family Services and copious capital projects; and much more.

One by one, councilmembers spoke heartfelt words about Jacobson.

Lisa Anderl said that Jacobson was a dear friend and colleague and this is a huge loss for the Island.

“I will miss him so so very much. Every good thing that’s been said about him is true and then some. What I loved about Jake, I think, was he lived life with the enthusiasm of a young man and the wisdom of an old man.”

At the close of the meeting Anderl turned to her fellow councilmembers and said, “I probably haven’t done it often enough, but I would just like to say how much I appreciate all of you and your collegiality and your hard work. Whether we agree or disagree, this is valuable time and I appreciate all of you.” Mayor Nice responded, “mutual.”

Craig Reynolds said that Jacobson lived an amazing life and he’s in awe of everything Jacobson accomplished.

During their time together on council, Reynolds saw that Jacobson was an incredibly connected Mercer Island community member who was known and respected by thousands of locals.

“Jake seemed to know just about everybody and considered just about everybody his friend and that was very admirable,” said Reynolds, adding about Jacobson’s generosity, “Jake was throwing himself in in every way possible in order to help things on the Island.”

Ted Weinberg added: “Throughout his public service in elected office, his volunteering at his church and his service to the community and the nation, Jake set a high standard for all of us and it has been a genuine honor serving with him here on city council.”

Wendy Weiker said that Jacobson was a human-centered public servant and she’ll miss his dahlias, dog walks and their discussions about schools, the chamber of commerce and the faith community.

“I will miss talking about the vision that he had for this community, to keep us strong and connected through whatever political discourse and divides that we had. He was the epitome of a gentleman and the epitome of a good public servant,” she said.

Deputy Mayor David Rosenbaum said that he appreciates everything Jacobson taught him, including being present for others.

“Jake is someone who showed up for people and I think that the ways that he did that will be felt for some time. For me, Jake was always there to reach out when something was going on if he thought it impacted me or if there was something that he thought I would find upsetting,” said Rosenbaum, adding that Jacobson was also there to offer congratulations when those moments arose.

Mayor Nice said the Jacobson was a good friend and confidante who considered Mercer Island his family. They spent heaps of time together discussing copious topics, including policy, projects and what Islanders would want and need.

“The things that he did for this community, they gave him so much joy: lighting the Christmas tree, bringing back Summer Celebration — doing the little things that made this community sparkle for him.”

An in-memoriam slideshow followed council’s comments and included photos of Jacobson both solo and joined by friends, city councilmembers and his beloved terriers while the song “Keep Me in Your Heart” by Warren Zevon accompanied the special moments.

In one photo, Jacobson smiles at the camera and gives a thumbs up.