Former Salt River Project president and Scottsdale Mayor Bill Schrader passed away on May 17 at the age of 93.

Schrader joined the SRP Board of Directors in 1964, representing Division 7, according to a press release. He served in that role until 1990, when he was elected Vice President. He then served as SRP’s 15th president from 1994 until his retirement in 2006.

Prior to his 42 years of service at SRP, Schrader served as a Scottsdale City Council member from 1958 to 1962, when he became the first elected mayor of Scottsdale, a position he held until 1964.

Schrader grew up in the business of agriculture, working on his family’s farm in his early life before attending Arizona State University to pursue a degree in agricultural studies, the release stated. Though he continued with his agricultural work, he also became interested in politics and community service, which led him to his careers with the city of Scottsdale and SRP. His father had served on SRP’s board and council, a legacy his sons and grandson have carried on as well.

Schrader was president during an era when SRP celebrated its centennial and received numerous recognitions for its customer service from J.D. Power and Associates, according to the release. He also oversaw the expansion projects at Kyrene and Santan generating stations, the purchase of Desert Basin Generating Station and the project to add storage space to Theodore Roosevelt Dam.

“Bill was the epitome of what it means to meaningfully serve the community and foster growth,” SRP President David Rousseau said in the release. “He served three eventful terms as president at SRP, earning the organization recognition for accomplishments in water management through a record drought, in outstanding customer service, and in volunteerism and community service, which is at the core of SRP’s culture. Bill also advanced SRP’s unwavering commitment to safety and safe working conditions. His remarkable leadership will always be remembered as the organization continues its mission to, in Bill’s words, ‘keep the lights on and the water flowing.’ He is forever in our hearts.”

Peter Hayes, former associate general manager of public affairs, recalls working with Schrader during an exciting time of community stewardship as well as growth in power and water.

“Bill Schrader was truly an iconic Arizona leader. Not only was he tremendously kind and a true gentleman, but he was a leader who provided many contributions to help make Arizona the great place it is today. He will be greatly missed,” Hayes said in the release.