Harry Armstrong loved his city. And it’s that love -- deep, passionate, and unwavering -- that is being remembered by everyone who knew him today.
Armstrong passed away last Thursday at the age of 87.
Armstrong spent five decades on the Clovis City Council before retiring in 2016 as the state’s longest serving city councilman. He also served on the League of California Cities for more than 27 years, including a stint as president from 1982 to 1983. He was a member of numerous boards and commissions, including the Fresno County Transportation Authority, the Fresno County Water Advisory Board, and the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies.
"From Highway 168, 180, Old Town, the fire stations, the pet adoption center, the research park, the expansion of the medical park, all of that had Harry's handprint," said Councilmember Lynne Ashbeck. "I can honestly say in the 30 years that I've worked with Harry on the council and as a planning commissioner he never made a single decision that was not in the best interest in Clovis."
“When you think about what local government service is about, you would see a picture of Harry Armstrong,” said former Clovis Mayor Nathan Magsig.
Armstrong’s stellar work ethic and dedication to his city was on full display after a bad bout with pneumonia in 2016. As City News reported at the time, Armstrong continued conducting city business from his bed by telephone. His home was even declared a public place so he could do so. Despite his ailments (the councilman also suffered from COPD), he continued coming into City Hall a few times a week.
Public servants like that don’t come along very often. How fortunate Clovis is to have known one.
Read more about the life and legacy of Harry Armstrong here.