Sparks city councilman and Washoe school board trustee John Mayer has died.

John served as Ward 1 Councilmember from June 1991 to November 2008 and was the city's longest-serving councilmember.

Sparks Mayor Ed Lawson released the following statement:

I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Sparks City Councilmember John Mayer.

A lifelong (third generation) Sparks resident, John was a veteran, councilmember, Washoe County School Board member, coach, teacher, and principal. In fact, he was the principal of Greenbrae Elementary when both my boys attended (go Turtles)!

He loved this community, served it well, and was often heard saying “you can take me out of Sparks, but you can’t take Sparks out of me.”

My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends. Farewell, John, you will be greatly missed by all of us here at the City of Sparks.

Washoe County School District Board President, Angie Taylor, also released a statement following John's passing. Full below.

All of us at the Washoe County School District are heartbroken to hear of the passing of John Mayer, who served two terms on the Board of Trustees and devoted his life to the children of Washoe County. It was my privilege to serve with John for four of his eight years on the Board. He was a cherished friend and colleague.

As a teacher, coach, principal and trustee, John was dedicated to educating, supporting and providing resources to many thousands of students over years of service. He loved to visit schools where he enjoyed talking with staff members and students about what they were teaching and learning. I remember how often he fondly recalled his own experiences as a “Railroader”—a proud graduate of Sparks High School—an educator and school leader. His joy in serving and supporting all students was evident in everything he did.

Trustee Mayer served as a liaison to the WCSD Student Advisory Board, where he carefully listened and responded to the concerns and suggestions of student leaders from WCSD high schools. He was awarded the Veteran School Board Member of the Year Award for 2017 by the Nevada Association of School Boards.

John Mayer honorably served our students, staff members and schools, and his contributions will be felt for decades to come. The Washoe County School District is a better place thanks to his legacy of leadership, kindness, advocacy and care for all students.

I join with the entire district in extending our sincere condolences to his family.