Renton School Board member Albert (Al) Talley Sr. died on March 29 at Harborview Medical Center.

According to Talley’s family, he suffered a stroke earlier this week and died Wednesday night with his family by his side.

“Mr. Talley’s passing will leave a void not only in the daily work of our schools and our communities, he will be personally missed by many of us who he touched with his humor, straightforwardness, commitment to the things he loved and joy for life,” said Art Jarvis in a release. “The Talley family is working through arrangements for a public service. We’ll keep you informed as we are provided that information.”

“It is with a very heavy heart that the city of Renton mourns the sudden loss of Al Talley,” said Mayor Denis Law in a press release. “Al was a dedicated public servant whose passion for this city came through in everything he did. He was a Renton icon and beloved by everyone in the community. On behalf of the entire city, we send our deepest condolences to his wife Candis, their children and family.”

According to the RSD website, Talley was born and raised in South Carolina. One of eight children, he was raised by his widowed father. At 16, he enlisted in the army where he served for more than two decades. He was stationed in Korea, Germany and Texas.

Talley later settled in Renton with his wife Candis and their four kids, Debra, Albert Jr., Michael and Susan. He worked as an electronics instructor at North Seattle Community College and as a custodian at the Shoreline School District. Later, he was a manager at Xerox.

He was involved in the Renton community groups including the Renton Rotary, Renton Chamber of Commerce and Human Rights Commission. He mentored students through Communities in Schools of Renton. In 2005, he was named Renton Citizen of the Year.

Talley served as a school board member for more than 16 years, and in each election he won with more 98 percent of the vote.

Talley and his wife recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.

His family is in the process of finalizing arrangements for his memorial service and funeral. Donations can be sent to an organization of their choosing in Talley’s name in lieu of flowers.