The Courier-Herald

When fellow workers werefrustrated with Tim Stipek they would mutter under their breath, "son of a postmaster."

Friday Stipek officially became the postmaster in Black Diamond. He told that story to a small group gathered at the Baker Street post office to witness as he was sworn in with the same oath taken by the president of the United States. The crowd of fellow postmasters, friends and employees included his father, retired Bothell postmaster Carol Stipek.

The younger Stipek began his work as Black Diamond's postmaster April 19. He replaces Linda Curtis.

Although this is his first postmaster position, his experience with the U.S. Postal Service covers 21 years, from carrier to supervisor in Issaquah, for six years, and Redmond, seven years.

Stipek anticipates spending his early days on the job getting comfortable, meeting the community and preparing for growth. He said coming from Issaquah and Redmond, he has a lot of experience with growth.

Black Diamond has three rural routes, equaling 1,300 stops, plus P.O. boxes. Black Diamond has eight employees.

One of Stipek's biggest chores will be to find a new home for the post office. The lease with the school district expires in 2009 and currently there are no options.

In his spare time, Stipek enjoys travel, especially to Thailand, and golf.

Brenda Sexton can be reached at bsexton@courierherald.com