WINDHAM — Bill Diamond, a longtime public servant and passionate advocate for children in Maine’s care, died Sunday, Aug. 31, at the age of 80.

Diamond, of Windham, founded Walk a Mile in Their Shoes, a nonprofit dedicated to ending abuse and homicide of children in state custody. The organization confirmed his passing in a statement, calling him “a humanitarian, a mentor, and a friend to so many,” and noting that his dedication to protecting Maine’s children began long before the nonprofit’s creation.

Earlier this year, Diamond shared on the group’s website that he had been diagnosed with “a challenging medical condition,” prompting him to step back from daily operations. Even then, he reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to its mission.

Over his decades in public service, Diamond served in both the Maine House and Senate and held the office of secretary of state from 1989 to 1996. He was a familiar voice on issues of public safety and child welfare, and as recently as June spoke publicly about the upcoming statewide referendum on Maine’s red flag law.

Diamond is survived by his wife, Jane.

Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. State Sen. Rick Bennett praised Diamond’s “humility, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the people of Maine,” crediting his advocacy with driving real reforms in the child welfare system. Former governor Paul LePage called him “a tremendous man” whose work on behalf of Maine’s children “will never be forgotten.”

HERE is one of Bill Diamond’s most recent interviews on WGAN’s Inside Maine.