Remembering Charley Royer

On July 26, Seattle lost a civic icon and legendary mayor with the passing of Charley Royer. Charley’s accomplishments – including being the longest serving mayor (1978-90) in Seattle’s history – are numerous and impressive.

Here at the Ballpark Public Facilities District (PFD), we were deeply saddened by his passing. We’ll remember Charley as not only one of our longest serving board members (and as Chair from 2012-2017), and as a passionate advocate for the ballpark and the surrounding district, but also as a friend. From the beginning of his service on the Board, Charley was a tireless, mission-driven ambassador for the PFD’s vision for creating a safe, vital, and active neighborhood in and around the ballpark.

Working closely with the Washington State Public Stadium Authority (PSA), he led the effort to create a Stadium District Concept Plan in 2012, which remains the guiding blueprint for developing a vibrant transitional neighborhood surrounding the stadia. As a longtime resident and champion of Pioneer Square, Charley inspired us to realize the interdependence of the ballpark and surrounding neighborhoods and to never overlook the broader public interest. We’ll all miss Charley dearly and are sending our thoughts to his wife, Lynn Claudon; his two children, Suzanne Royer McCone and Jordan Royer; and to the rest of his family.