Obituaries

Former Redwood City Mayor Passed Away

William "Bill" Royer passed away Monday morning at his home in Redwood City. He would have turned 93 this week.

William “Bill” Royer passed away Monday morning at his home in Redwood City. He would have turned 93 this week. 

California State Assemblyman Rich Gordon said Royer would be remembered for his years of service to the community in Redwood City and surrounding towns. 

“A man who devoted his life to service and country, Bill was a WWII veteran in addition to representing San Mateo County in the U.S. Congress,” Gordon said on his Facebook page.  “My thoughts and prayers go out to the Royer family.”

Mr. Royer was an avid sportsman, businessman, and civically engaged individual, said his nephew Jim Hartnett.   

Royer served as mayor of Redwood City from 1950-1966 and was later elected to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors in 1972.  Seven years later, he served a term in Congress, succeeding Leo Ryan.

He began his career as a newspaper boy in downtown Redwood City and attended Mt. Carmel Grammar School.  Royer went on to graduate from Sequoia High School. During his time in college at Santa Clara University, he played baseball against Jackie Robinson, coached youth spots, and golfed with Willie Mays. 

Hartnett said Royer, who is a member of the Sequoia High School Sports Hall of Fame for his basketball and baseball skills, will be inducted into the San Mateo County Sports Hall of Fame in June 2013. 

Mr. Royer requested that no memorial service be held; the family is honoring his wishes.  Instead of sending flowers, the family wants donations to be made to the Sequoia H.S. Alumni Association. 

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The mailing address to the Association is is P.O. Box 2534, Redwood City, CA 94064.  You can find more information about the organization at www.sequoiahsalumniassoc.org.



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