Mayor Ron Clarke passed away peacefully on May 31 at his Paradise Valley home with his wife Cheryl, family and friends by his side.

Clarke began his volunteerism with the town in the late 1990s with his appointment to the planning commission.  In 1998, he was elected to the Paradise Valley Town Council and subsequently appointed mayor from 2006 to 2007. He continued to serve on the council until 2009. 

As mayor, Clarke was devoted to the town and could often be seen in Town Hall. His wide smile, larger-than-life personality, Reyn Spooner shirts and colorful shorts were his trademark. 

Clarke co-founded the Paradise Valley Veterans’ Appreciation Car Show, the town’s largest public event, in its 17th year. He had a wonderful collection of beautiful American and European automobiles that he loved to share with others. According to the release, the town has lost one of its greatest supporters.

“Mayor Ron Clarke will be sorely missed by his friends, family and the Town of Paradise Valley,” the release stated.

Currently, no memorial services have been published.