(November 10, 1943 - September 26, 2011)
Orem Mayor Dies of Cancer
Updated: 9/29/2011 1:54 am | Published: 9/27/2011 7:00 am
OREM, Utah (ABC 4 News) - The City of Orem is mourning the loss of its Mayor. Jerry Washburn, 67, passed away Monday night after a long battle with cancer. “He was always kind, he was intelligent,” said Stanford Sainsbury, Orem Director of Development Services. “Very friendly guy, always ready to say hi to you,” said Charlie Powell, Orem Building Inspector. “But beyond that he was good,” said Richard Manning, Orem Administrative Services Director. Members of the City of Orem are still struggling with the passing Mayor Jerry Washburn. ABC 4 is told Monday night Washburn lost his bout with cancer, and died surrounded by his family. Washburn was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. To many in the city of Orem he was a friend. “You knew when he walked up and shook your hand he wanted to know how you were doing,” said Bruce Chesnut, Orem City Manager. Gifts from foreign dignitaries in Washburn’s office show the impact he even had overseas. Representative Jason Chaffetz, (R) Utah, sent ABC 4 this statement:"My office mourns the passing of Orem Mayor Jerry Washburn. Mayor Washburn was a dedicated public servant and family man. He epitomized the very best traits sought for in holders of public office. He worked diligently to make our communities better places to live, work, raise families, and recreate. We are all better for having known him and served alongside him. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife and family. They will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.” One thing Mayor Washburn will be remembered as is a builder. He built five parks during his time as Mayor including Mt. Timpanagos Park up Provo Canyon. It's now home to the Timpanagos Story Telling Festival, and is considered one of the most beautiful parks in Orem. Washburn revamped many city roads, brought street lights to the entire city, and gave new life to Orem's recycling program, something one in three people now participate in. “Just a marvelous institution in our city and he's going to be greatly missed,” said Sainsbury. Right now ABC 4 is told no funeral plans have been made yet. The city is also waiting to begin looking for his replacement.
