MURRAY — Mayor Ted Eyre died Friday morning from complications of cancer. He was 71.
Eyre, who was elected to a four-year term that began in January 2014, is credited with several improvements to the city during his tenure, according to a statement from Murray administrative services director Tim Tingey.
According to Deputy Mayor Janet Towers, Eyre oversaw enhancements to Murray Park, the expansion of Fashion Place mall and the University of Utah Midvalley Health Center, as well as the acquisition of the Murray Theater, Murray Chapel and Murray Mansion.
“Mayor Eyre’s mark on the city touched so many," Towers said in a statement. "He had a deep love and commitment for the city and employees. This love and commitment was displayed in everything he did as mayor.”
According to the statement, Eyre was born and raised in Wyoming, attended Brigham Young University and received his degree in aviation sciences from San Bernardino Valley College in California.
He joined the U.S. Army and served a tour in Vietnam. After returning home, Eyre worked on construction projects in Colorado before becoming a flight instructor in in California. He eventually became a pilot for Western Airlines, which was acquired by Delta Airlines in 1986.
Eyre and his wife, Ruth, relocated to Murray in 1987, where he retired as a Delta Airlines captain in 2005.
Funeral services are pending.
Diane Turner, chairwoman of the Murray City Council, will serve as acting mayor until the council appoints an interim mayor. A new mayor will be elected and sworn into office Jan. 2, 2018.