The Online Alaska
Pioneer Press
Pioneer Press
The home base for your Alaskan Adventure in the heart of Talkeetna. 907-733-8500 E-mail us here P.O Box 353, Talkeetna, AK 99676 |
| ADVERTISEMENTS |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
Borough Mayor Curt Menard Dies at 64
Mat-Su Mayor and former state legislator Dr. Curt Menard has died. Menard, 64, had been
battling cancer since 2003, and had been working in the Borough offices just a week before
his death on Tuesday, March 3.
Menard had continued his dental practice while serving as mayor, and put out regular podcasts
on the Borough Web site about meetings with officials and happenings in the Borough. His
last podcast was released Feb. 18.
He graduated from Marquette University in Wis. in 1968 with a degree in dentistry. He came
to Alaska in the U.S. Air Force as a dentist. When Capt. Menard left military service, he
decided not to leave Alaska.
Menard came to the Mat-Su area in 1972. He served on the school board from 1984 to 1986.
From 1986 to 1994 he was a State Representative and State Senator representing the Mat-Su.
Since his elect ion as mayor in November of 2006 he has served on the state’s Alaska
Railroad Board.
On the Borough’s Web site, his online biography includes his reflections on the role he and
members of his family have taken in local government.
"It's a lot of work," Mayor Menard said. "But I think for the community that gives you a lot
you have to give back to the community, we've done that as a family."
Wife, Linda Menard, has served on the Mat-Su School Board for 12 years. Son, Steve
Menard, is a Wasilla City Councilman. The Curtis C. Menard Memorial Ice Arena in Wasilla
was named after Menard's late son.
News of his passing brought swift responses from those who worked with Menard, including
Alaska’s freshman U.S. Senator.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mat-Su Borough Mayor Curt Menard. Deborah and I
send our condolences to his wife, Linda, the entire Menard family and the many Alaskans who
considered him a friend,” said Sen. Mark Begich in a prepared release. “I have known Curt for
years and admired how he always put partisan politics aside to work what was best for his
community and the people of Alaska.
“Most recently, Curt and I worked on numerous issues and projects together through the Tri-
Borough Commission. Our group, representing Anchorage, the Mat-Su and Kenai, formed
when I was mayor of Anchorage to work on issues that were important to the entire
Southcentral region. We wrote an energy policy, educated young Alaskans about the deadly
hazards of meth, coordinated public safety efforts and worked to improve transportation
between Anchorage and the Mat-Su.
“Even while battling cancer, Curt was fully engaged, working hard and always putting
Alaskans first. Our state has lost a true public servant. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the
friends and family of Curt Menard.”
School Board President Jim Colver said, “Whether he was on the school board, in the state
legislature, or as Borough Mayor, Curt has always been there for our schools. He has been a
great friend and supporter of students and public education in Mat-Su. Our thoughts and
prayers are with Linda and all of their children, their spouses, and the grandchildren. The
family has suffered much grief through the years but have stayed strong together.”
Here is a link to the mayor's last podcast: http://blogs.matsugov.
us/users/mayorsminute/weblog/4c960/
Mat-Su Mayor and former state legislator Dr. Curt Menard has died. Menard, 64, had been
battling cancer since 2003, and had been working in the Borough offices just a week before
his death on Tuesday, March 3.
Menard had continued his dental practice while serving as mayor, and put out regular podcasts
on the Borough Web site about meetings with officials and happenings in the Borough. His
last podcast was released Feb. 18.
He graduated from Marquette University in Wis. in 1968 with a degree in dentistry. He came
to Alaska in the U.S. Air Force as a dentist. When Capt. Menard left military service, he
decided not to leave Alaska.
Menard came to the Mat-Su area in 1972. He served on the school board from 1984 to 1986.
From 1986 to 1994 he was a State Representative and State Senator representing the Mat-Su.
Since his elect ion as mayor in November of 2006 he has served on the state’s Alaska
Railroad Board.
On the Borough’s Web site, his online biography includes his reflections on the role he and
members of his family have taken in local government.
"It's a lot of work," Mayor Menard said. "But I think for the community that gives you a lot
you have to give back to the community, we've done that as a family."
Wife, Linda Menard, has served on the Mat-Su School Board for 12 years. Son, Steve
Menard, is a Wasilla City Councilman. The Curtis C. Menard Memorial Ice Arena in Wasilla
was named after Menard's late son.
News of his passing brought swift responses from those who worked with Menard, including
Alaska’s freshman U.S. Senator.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mat-Su Borough Mayor Curt Menard. Deborah and I
send our condolences to his wife, Linda, the entire Menard family and the many Alaskans who
considered him a friend,” said Sen. Mark Begich in a prepared release. “I have known Curt for
years and admired how he always put partisan politics aside to work what was best for his
community and the people of Alaska.
“Most recently, Curt and I worked on numerous issues and projects together through the Tri-
Borough Commission. Our group, representing Anchorage, the Mat-Su and Kenai, formed
when I was mayor of Anchorage to work on issues that were important to the entire
Southcentral region. We wrote an energy policy, educated young Alaskans about the deadly
hazards of meth, coordinated public safety efforts and worked to improve transportation
between Anchorage and the Mat-Su.
“Even while battling cancer, Curt was fully engaged, working hard and always putting
Alaskans first. Our state has lost a true public servant. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the
friends and family of Curt Menard.”
School Board President Jim Colver said, “Whether he was on the school board, in the state
legislature, or as Borough Mayor, Curt has always been there for our schools. He has been a
great friend and supporter of students and public education in Mat-Su. Our thoughts and
prayers are with Linda and all of their children, their spouses, and the grandchildren. The
family has suffered much grief through the years but have stayed strong together.”
Here is a link to the mayor's last podcast: http://blogs.matsugov.
us/users/mayorsminute/weblog/4c960/
