Charles Theodore Royer

Former Seattle Mayor Charles “Charley” T. Royer, who served three terms in office (1978-1990), passed away July 26th at his home in Gearhart, Oregon.

Charley was the longest serving mayor of Seattle; an award-winning American television journalist; and former director of the Institute for Politics at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He was a co-chair of Friends of the Seattle Waterfront Committee and a former chairman and member of the Ballpark Public Facilities District. 

He also served as the director for the Urban Health Initiative funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation which worked in five major American cities to improve the health, safety and educational outcomes for children.

Charley was born in Medford, Oregon on August 22, 1939. He married Ann (Walker) Davis and briefly studied at Portland State University before joining the Army in 1961. After his discharge, he attended the University of Oregon and studied journalism. 

He graduated in 1966 from the School of Journalism. He married Rosanne (Gostovich) Royer in 1968. He served seven years as a reporter and news analyst, first at KOIN in Portland and then at KING in Seattle. At KING, he shared a beat with his brother, Bob whom he worked closely with throughout his life, including in his administration at the City of Seattle.

Royer is survived by his wife of 24 years Lynn Claudon, his daughter Suzanne Royer McCone, her husband Dan and son Jordan Royer. Also survived by granddaughters Gabriella (Michelle), their daughter Frances, Truly, Georgia and Collette. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Mildred Royer and his brother Robert “Bob” Royer.

A memorial gathering will be held 4:00 – 6:00 September 23rd at MOHAI, 800 Terry Ave North, Seattle. 

Memorial donations may be made to MOHAI www.mohai.org Friends of Waterfront

Park www.waterfrontpark.org or the Pike Place Market Foundation www.pikeplacemarketfoundation.com