CLOVIS (KMJ) — Former Clovis City Councilmember, and California’s longest serving elected official, William “Harry” Armstrong has passed away.
The 87 year old died Thursday evening. He is considered a driving factor in the building of both Highway 168 and Highway 180.
“Harry was a visionary,” said former Mayor of Clovis and current Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig.
“He was someone who had a heart for Clovis and he lived and breathed the City. All he wanted was what was best for the City.”
Armstrong was first elected as a Councilmember in 1970 and was elected Mayor of Clovis five times. He retired in October 2016 after serving a total of 46 years on Clovis City Council.
“The landscape of our community today has Harry’s steady hand prints all over it,” said Mayor Pro Tem Drew Bessinger.
“Freeways, community facilities, our modern infrastructure and improvements are part of Harry’s legacy.”
In a statement, Fresno Mayor Lee Brand described Armstrong as a local government icon.
“I first met Harry when I was elected to Fresno City Council in 2008, and I was immediately impressed with his sincerity and his integrity. He was the embodiment of collaboration and always a professional.”
On Twitter, Fresno City Councilmember Steve Brandau wrote that he was a great local leader.
R.I.P. Harry Armstrong. A great local leader! @ClovisChamber @OldTownClovis @LincolnSeward @BobWhalen @Buddy59984763 @MayorLeeBrand @LincolnFresno @GVWire @kmjblake pic.twitter.com/9bPEfrqDZx
— Steve Brandau (@stevebrandau) January 19, 2018
On Facebook, Fresno City Councilmember Luis Chavez wrote that Clovis is what it is today because of Armstrong’s tenure.
Flags in the City of Clovis have been lowered to half staff in honor of his public service. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
