Then the smallest of the three eastern Wake County towns, Knightdale lacked most of what now makes it one of North Carolina's fastest-growing towns: amenities, businesses, recreational opportunities, quality schools and upper-end housing.

The influx of young, involved, and accomplished businessmen such as Poirier, Jeff Eddins, and Russell Killen to town government provided Knightdale with a vision for expansion.

And since then, this town has become one of the fastest-growing in North Carolina - from about 3,000 in 1998 to more than 11,000 today.

But tomorrow, the first of the elected pro-growth councilmen bows out.

Poirier, father of four, coach of dozens, and friend to many more, decided earlier this year not to seek reelection.

His final town council meeting is Monday night at 7, when the town will honor Poirier for his role in shaping what's become eastern Wake's largest town.

"It's hard to overstate how important Tim has been to Knightdale," Killen said in an interview last week. "He's been an articulate, consistent advocate for measured growth. By talking to so many people while at work, coaching, or around town, he's helped change the thinking of our community."

Added Councilman Mike Chalk: "Tim had a broad view of what Knightdale should be and stuck with it."

Poirier joined the council "dreaming that I could make it a place where my kids would want to come back and raise their families," he says.

The councilman's passion, community involvement, and business acumen prompted Wake County commissioner Joe Bryan to recruit Poirier to run for the town council.

"He's probably never even had to campaign," Bryan says. "People have always come to him with questions and concerns, and he's able to relate and create bonds with them."

Killen says he learned of Poirier's "immense popularity" when he first ran for town council in 2003.

"Tim took me around Planter's Walk and introduced me. I can't tell you how many hundreds of houses we went to where people opened their doors and said, 'Oh, hey Dr. Tim. Come in, it's great to see you!' " Killen said.

Growth along either side of Knightdale Boulevard is testament to what Poirier has helped bring to the once sleepy town.

So does Knightdale High school (which opened in 2004), the future park on First Avenue, and Mingo Creek greenway, which Killen says will be Poirier's legacy.

"He's led community meetings, guided the planning, and talked to residents about why (the greenway) is important for the future of the town. ... It's been his baby," Killen said. "Tim knows that greenways, athletic programs, and other recreational draws are going to be the pull for this town."

Poirier will be replaced by Dustin Tripp, a 32-year-old City of Raleigh engineering specialist, who shares Poirier's passion for outdoor amenities.

Poirier endorsed Tripp, but wouldn't rule out further involvement in town politics.

For now though, he says his focus is on his family: His wife, Kristen; daughter, Blair, 13; and his sons, Brooks, 11, Brett, 9, and Ben, 7.

"I want them to say that I was there for them during the most important time of their life," Poirier says.

As for his time on Town Council: "I wouldn't change a thing."