Rancho Mirage Mayor Pro-Tem Ron Meepos Passes Away

Friends and family were mourning the loss Friday of a longtime Coachella Valley councilman.

Rancho Mirage mayor pro-tem Ron Meepos, 80, passed away just after 4 p.m. at his home with family by his side, city officials said.

Meepos and those close to him said they were prepared this may happen, but not so quickly.

“The last year, I would say, (has) been the start of the downward spiral,” said Dana Hobart, mayor of Rancho Mirage.

Meepos was a diabetic and struggled with the disease.

On Monday, he resigned from his position as councilmember, but that resignation wasn’t set to take effect until July 1.

He cited health concerns as the reason for stepping down.

“He chose to discontinue the dialysis,” said Hobart.

On Tuesday, Meepos invited about 200 of his closest friend’s and family to his home for a party.

Hobart knew Meepos for 10 years, and he was there for the party, which Hobart says was Meepos’ way of saying goodbye.

“Although people in the future may not know his name, for many decades to come, they will benefit from the work that he did,” said Hobart.

First elected to the city council in 2002, Meepos served twice as the City’s mayor twice and sat on several city boards.

Friends said he cared deeply about the community.

Hobart said one of Meepos’ main priorities as an elected official was to keep the City of Rancho Mirage balanced financially.

Meepos was described as a serious man with a great personality.

“His mischievous smile and twinkles in his eyes will be remembered by all of us who were familiar,” said Hobart.

Meepos is survived by his wife Lucy of more than 40 years, and their four children.

Funeral arraignments are still being worked out.