(Photo courtesy: City of Sparks) 

After an almost two-year battle with pancreatic cancer, Sparks Mayor Ron Smith has died. He was 71 years old.

Mayor Smith was officially sworn in as the 25th Mayor of Sparks on November 13, 2018. He was elected to the Sparks City Council in November 2006 and was re-elected to four-year terms in 2008, 2012 and 2016. He served as Sparks Mayor Pro Tempore from 2012-2018.

“Ron was a good friend and mentor, and a man who deeply loved his City and community. His mark will be left on this community for decades to come,” said Mayor Pro Tempore Ed Lawson.

A genuine labor of love for Mayor Smith was his service as the Director of the Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza Project at the Sparks Marina.

“As a veteran himself, Ron was extremely passionate about this project,” said Councilman Kristopher Dahir. “What he cared about most was that the almost 1,000

Nevada veterans that died fighting for our country were honored, and he wanted to make sure the next generation knew of the sacrifices of those who died for our freedoms. He was very driven to see this project completed. We have every intention of making this happen in his honor.”

Mayor Smith was also a strong advocate for transportation and infrastructure needs in the City and region and served on many boards and commissions. He was awarded numerous awards and accolades during his tenure as councilman and mayor. Mayor Smith was most recently honored with the Sir Award from the Association of General Contractors.

“I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Mayor Ron Smith this morning,” said Councilman Donald Abbott. “Ron loved many things, from the Giants to golf, but his great loves were his family and the city of Sparks and its citizens. He will be greatly missed and always remembered for the great things he did for our community.”

“I was deeply honored to be appointed by Mayor Smith to fill his Ward 3 council seat when he was elected Mayor in 2018,” said Councilman Paul Anderson. “I will truly miss my friend and mentor who did such great things regionally and for our Sparks community.”

“Ron provided knowledge and experience which helped me grow as a councilmember for this great city that he so loved,” said Councilwoman Charlene Bybee.

“He was a great inspiration to me. Thank you, Mayor, may you rest in peace.”

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our Mayor,” said Sparks City Manager Neil Krutz. “His battle with cancer was incredibly courageous. All of us at the City will greatly miss him, and our most sincere condolences go out to his family.”

Mayor Smith and his wife Karen were married for 40 years and have four children and nine grandchildren.

Councilman Ed Lawson, who as Mayor Pro Tempore, will assume the role of Mayor to complete Mayor Smith’s existing term through 2022. He will be sworn in on September 14, 2020.

Details of the memorial service will be announced at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza Project: www.nvmp.info. P.O. Box 50967 Sparks, Nevada 89435.

Statement from the Chairman Bob Lucey on behalf of the Washoe County Commission:

We are heartbroken to learn of the passing today of our dear friend and colleague Sparks Mayor Ron Smith. His service to northern Nevada, and of course the City of Sparks includes decades of public service. Our Commission served alongside Mayor Smith in various capacities including the Regional Transportation Commission, Truckee Meadows Water Authority, Truckee River Flood Management Authority, and countless other projects and community efforts.

Mayor Smith’s commitment to serve the public went above and beyond, including his passion for vulnerable populations, veterans of our community, and many other commitments outside of being Mayor. His ultimate legacy was being a devoted family man and we send our condolences to the Smith family.

He served with a level of dignity beyond his calling. Mayor Smith’s big heart and commitment along with his steadfast dedication to this community will be sorely missed.

Statement from WCSD Board President Malena Raymond and Superintendent Dr. Kristen McNeill

We would like to express our sorrow at the passing of Sparks Mayor Ron Smith.

Mayor Smith was a tireless advocate of families and children and a strong supporter of our schools. He loved his community deeply and was a true champion for the people of Sparks. Even during his final illness, he continued to work hard for the people he represented. We will miss his leadership and commitment.

We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA) Interim President and CEO Jennifer Cunningham issued the following statement:

“The entire RSCVA family is saddened by the passing of Sparks Mayor Ron Smith. Personally, Mayor Smith has been a longtime friend and a champion of Northern Nevada business and tourism. Mayor Smith’s legacy includes his devotion to his constituents, and his insistence on honesty, transparency, and the efficiency of local government. Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to Mayor Smith’s family, as their loss is a loss for us all.”

Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve released the following statement:

On behalf of the entire City of Reno — our Reno City Council, employees and residents — today I send my deepest condolences to the friends and family of Sparks Mayor Ron Smith. We are all in mourning. Our thoughts are with Ron’s wife, Karen, and his children and grandchildren during this difficult time. Mr. Smith was a great man, a Veteran, and he courageously battled cancer while serving the City of Sparks and our region with steadfast commitment and passion. We’ll remember Mr. Smith for his important impact on our growing community, such as his support for transportation and infrastructure needs, but we’ll mostly remember him for his friendship, determination and his leadership in working together on some of our area’s most critical issues.

Carson City Mayor Bob Cromwell said: 

“I was saddened to learn of the death of my good friend and Mayor of Sparks, Ron Smith. The scourge of cancer has taken yet another valued member of our community.”

The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe County Executive Director Bill Thomas has issued the following statement:

On behalf of the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County, I am deeply saddened by the passing of Sparks Mayor Ron Smith. Mayor Smith was a long-standing member on the RTC Board of Commissioners, serving in various roles, including Board Chair, since 2009.

As a Veteran and longtime Sparks resident, he truly believed in making our community a better and safer place for future generations. A champion for transportation and infrastructure, Mayor Smith was a proponent to build major regional projects, including the Pyramid/McCarran Intersection Improvements, the SouthEast Connector, and the 4th Street/Prater Way BRT, among others. Mayor Smith also led the community effort to build a Veterans memorial, which is now under construction at the Sparks Marina, in tribute to all Nevada Veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

We will remember him for his kindness and how deeply he cared for all of us. To honor his memory and his contributions, it is up to the rest of us to carry on his legacy of caring and visionary leadership, stewardship, and public service.

Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and the City of Sparks.

Reno Police Chief Jason Soto released this statement: 

“I was extremely heartbroken to hear of the passing of Mayor Ron Smith. He was an incredible man who taught me compassion, leadership, respect and friendship......thank you for being you.” ~ Chief Soto

 

 

 

 

(City of Sparks)