Mat Su Borough mayor Curt Menard, age 64, died early this morning.
Menard was elected mayor in 2006 and had previously served as a state senator and representative for the Mat Su Valley.
He was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer in 2003. He underwent treatment and the cancer went into remission. In 2007, he announced the cancer had returned. He took a leave of absence, then regained his health and came back to work.
Borough Spokeswoman Patty Sullivan said his death came as a shock to those working with him. He was at work at the Borough offices last week. Borough manager John Duffy, said in the official press release “Curt was a great person and always a champion of the public”. Borough employee, Nancy Cameron, an employee who waged her own battle with cancer said of Menard, “He never saw roadblocks. He went around them and did it with grace and humor.”
Menard’s wife, Linda, was elected last fall as the senator representing the Wasilla area. Patty Sullivan said Linda was at his side this morning as he passed away.
The mayor’s 3-year term was up this fall. He had anticipated running again for the position.
The March 3rd Borough meeting has been cancelled.
