(Photos courtesy: City of Reno, Gina Martini-Gonzalez)

A funeral service for former Reno Mayor Bob Cashell was held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church on Thursday. 

A Celebration of Life public reception at the downtown Reno Ballroom on North Center Street will be held at 3:30 p.m.

Reno Police Chief Jason Soto has declared February 20 an official uniform day. All sworn in personnel will wear Class A dress uniforms.

The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) offered free bus services to Cashell's funeral service.

Officials said overflow parking for the service is at Walmart at Damonte Ranch Parkway. Attendees can board the bus at the RTC Route 56 northbound bus stop on Virginia Street.

RTC said the bus route will run continuously between that stop and St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church until 4 p.m.

Classes will be canceled at Bishop Manogue Catholic High School Thursday to make accommodations for the funeral.

Funeral Service Held for Former Mayor Bob Cashell in Reno

Courtesy of RTCCourtesy of RTC

 

Original Story: Governor Steve Sisolak has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Friday in honor of Former Reno Mayor and Lieutenant Governor Bob Cashell who died on Tuesday at the age of 81.

 

Robert ‘Bob’ Alan Cashell, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed peacefully at Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center surrounded by family, friends and special members of the Reno Police Department who he worked with during his time as Mayor of Reno.

Cashell was born April 22, 1938 in Longview, Texas. Bob married his beloved wife Nancy just weeks before they moved from Texas to Nevada in 1964.

Cashell began his public life in 1979 when he was elected to the University of Nevada System Board of Regents and was immediately elected chairman by his peers. He was the first freshman regent to be elected chairman and served in that position throughout his term.

Following his time as a university regent, he was elected Lt. Governor for the State of Nevada in 1982. Working together with then Governor Richard Bryan, they created both the Nevada Commission on Economic Development and the Nevada Commission on Tourism. Bob subsequently served as chairman of both commissions.

He was first elected Mayor of the City of Reno in November 2002 and served until 2014. He oversaw a period of tremendous growth for the city including transformative projects like the opening of the ReTRAC train trench, Triple A ball park, downtown Reno events center and ballroom and a $1.5 million whitewater park, the first of its kind west of the Rockies.

 

Former Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt said, "Mayor Bob Cashell was a great champion for Nevada and the City of Reno. He dedicated decades of his life to public service and is a true example of the American dream. Our prayers go out to Bob and his family at this tough time. He will not be forgotten."

The Reno Aces says, "We are extremely saddened to learn about the passing of Bob Cashell. Without the former Mayor's influence, nothing at Greater Nevada Field would have been possible and we will be forever grateful for his efforts. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."

Though for many he was simply known as “Mayor,” he was also a prominent businessman. His professional experience included working as chairman of the board of Cashell Enterprises, a hotel, casino and resort management company and owning the Alamo Travel Plaza and the Topaz Lodge. He bought Bill & Effies, a truck stop, in 1967 and renamed it Boomtown Reno. He sold it in 1988 after transforming the property into a casino resort. Throughout his tenure as a gaming executive, he has been associated with some of the leading resorts in Nevada and other states.

“Bob Cashell loved Reno almost as much as he loved his beautiful wife Nancy and his wonderful family,” said Gary Carano, executive chairman of Eldorado Resorts, Inc. “Although we didn’t know it when he first arrived from Texas over 50 years ago, Bob was destined to be a remarkable gift to our state and to Northern Nevada – he poured out his heart and soul to make us all better. He encouraged us to reach higher, he comforted us when we fell short, and he never stopped trusting that anything is possible if we stay positive and believe in one another.

“From Bill and Effies Truck Stop to Boomtown to the Board of Regents to the State Capitol to the Mayor of Reno, he always had a special knack for what his customers and constituents needed and wanted. He was a cherished friend to the Carano family and admired by many throughout Nevada and across America. His legacy will live on.”

Cashell was named Citizen of the Year by the Reno Gazette-Journal in 2005, Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce Raymond I. Smith Civic Leader of the Year in 2005 and Board of Realtors Carson City/Douglas County Citizen of the Year in 1998.

“There are few, in the entire history of Northern Nevada, who have had such a profound impact on our community,” said Rick Reviglio, owner of Western Nevada Supply. “Wherever you look, Bob’s fingerprint is deeply embedded. He and the entire Cashell family have touched so many in our community. It has been an honor to call him a dear friend.”

“The Cashell family would like to pass along their most sincere thanks and appreciation to the entire staff at Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center,” said family spokesperson Jim Minor.

His son, Pat Cashell posted this on his personal Facebook page: 

Funeral Service Held for Former Mayor Bob Cashell in Reno

Details on service arrangements will be forthcoming. A Facebook video shows the Reno Police Department escorting his hearse through downtown.

Cashell is survived by his wife Nancy and their four children and nine grandchildren.

The City of Reno decided to have the Reno Arch on Virginia Street go dark in his memory on Tuesday evening.

The City of Reno has released the following statement regarding Bob Cashell, who served as Reno Mayor from 2002 to 2014:

Our hearts are heavy today, as Bob Cashell, the City of Reno's former Mayor, passed away this morning. His passing is a mournful time, but also one of reflection. We look back on the influence and success of a man who gave tireless love and support to all of Reno and all of Nevada.

He called our state “The Home of Opportunity,” and he forged his own opportunity. He came to the Battle Born State as a humble truck driver and rose to prominence from City Hall to the state capitol.

Bob Cashell’s passion for education and the betterment of the next generation served him well on the Board of Regents. His homespun approachable attitude showed all of us that love and compassion make the man. He served as a model for what public servants should be.

Bob guided our city during our most turbulent times. His Reno was ravaged by financial struggle, but his resilient persona gave so many of our neighbors comfort in their darkest hour.

He always said that the businesses he built and the legislation he passed took a backseat to the people who helped those dreams become reality.

 

Current Mayor Schieve posted the below tweet on her timeline. Her statement reads:

It is with an extremely heavy heart to learn of the passing of Mayor Bob Cashell. He touched so many with his larger than life personality. He loved the entire Reno community like they were his very own family. His legacy will forever be remembered as one of Reno's greatest! 

 

Reno Council Member Neoma Jardon released an additional statement on her Twitter feed: 

Mayor Bob Cashell was a mentor and a friend of 30 years. He was the reason I got into public service. Thank you for Bob for your wisdom, leadership and contributions to our community and most importantly, thank you for your friendship. I will miss you.

 

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak tweeted: 

From serving on the Board of Regents, to his time as Lt. Governor, & Mayor of Reno for 12 years, Bob Cashell honorably served the people of Nevada over many decades. Thank you, Mayor & Lt. Gov. Cashell, for representing the City of Reno & our State with humility & integrity.

 

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto tweeted her response: 

So sad to hear the news of the passing of Bob Cashell. His dedication to Reno and love for the State of Nevada inspired Nevadans and helped our communities through some difficult times. Paul and I send our condolences to his wife Nancy and their entire family at this sad time.

 

Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) released this statement on Twitter: 

Saddened by the news of Mayor Bob Cashell’s passing. He was a lifetime servant of Nevada as a university regent, Lt. Governor, and Mayor of Reno. My condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.

 

Sparks Mayor Ron Smith released this statement:

I am deeply saddened by the news of Mayor Bob Cashell’s passing. Bob was a true friend and collaborator with the city of Sparks. He was always accessible, offered sound advice and never took himself too seriously. Bob’s contributions to Northern Nevada and his life of service will not be forgotten by our region. All of us at the city of Sparks will miss Mayor Cashell. His family is in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace, Mayor.

 

Washoe County Commission Chair, Bob Lucey, paused Tuesday's County Commission meeting to make the below statement: 

“We are devastated to receive the sad news this morning that a near and dear friend of ours, who was very close to many of us at Washoe County, former Mayor Bob Cashell has passed away. Not only did this man lead our region, he was a mentor to me and very close friend. His family legacy in our community is tremendous; this is certainly a difficult morning and tough news for us to process and a loss for us all.

Mayor Bob Cashell was an icon, a pioneer and irreplaceable regional leader propelling businesses in our community and elevating northern Nevada as a whole, through his vision, savvy and personal philanthropic efforts. His family’s impact is far and wide throughout our region. We wish the Cashell family our deepest condolences at this time.”

 

After his remarks, Commission Chair Bob Lucey held an impromptu moment of silence for Mayor Bob Cashell.

Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam made the following statement:

“Bob Cashell was a giant of a man and an inspiration to me throughout my career.

“A dedicated individual, Bob gave of himself freely and regularly to help build a better community. He always seemed to know the right words for any moment – whether they were words of encouragement or a quick joke.

“In 2005, Bob was named a Citizen of the Year by the Reno Gazette-Journal, a reflection of his never-ending support for the community he called home.

“Throughout his life, Bob was engaged with and supportive of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. From taking part with my father in the early years of Shop with the Sheriff to his many gifts of additional time and treasures to help further our mission, the men and women of this office salute Bob Cashell.

“On behalf of all the men and women of the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Heather and I extend our deepest condolences to Bob’s family and all those who have been touched by the warmth and generosity of this great man.”

 

Reno Police Chief Jason Soto released this statement on Twitter: 

The men and women of the Reno Police Department mourn the passing of former Reno Mayor Bob Cashell. Through his vision, he transformed Reno into what it is today and supported "your police, our community." Thoughts and prayers to the Cashell family. Respectfully ~ Chief Soto

 

University of Nevada, Reno President Marc Johnson released this statement:

Bob Cashell was one of the most influential figures the University of Nevada, Reno has ever seen. His involvement with our University spanned more than four decades -- as a member of the Board of Regents, as a key booster and donor to the University, and as Mayor of the City of Reno. Whatever hat Bob wore during his career in public life, he did so with unbridled passion for the people of Northern Nevada, uncommon optimism for what the future held for all of Nevada, and an uncommon personal authenticity that made his life and his times something we shall always remember. On behalf of the University, Karen and I send our deepest condolences to the entire Cashell family.

Volunteers of America also released their own statement: 

Volunteers of America is deeply saddened by today’s news of Bob Cashell’s passing.

Cashell, former mayor of Reno and Nevada lieutenant governor, lead the way for compassionate care of people experiencing homelessness in our region; he was instrumental in the construction of the Community Assistance Center, Reno’s comprehensive homeless shelter system on Record Street in downtown Reno in 2004. 

The center provides shelter, emergency housing, permanent supportive housing and other supportive services to approximately 700 people a day. Cashell’s legacy lives on through the lives transformed each year because of his vision, leadership and commitment to his community.

“Our hearts go out to the entire Cashell family at this very difficult time,” adds Volunteers of America CEO Leo McFarland. “I wish you all hope in the midst of sorrow and comfort in the midst of pain.”