KEY POINTS

  • Ron Menor is survived by a wife and three sons
  • Menor was a member of the Honolulu City Council
  • Tributes describe him as a 'dedicated public servant'

Ron Menor, a beloved local politician from Hawaii died at the age of 67. He was a member of the Honolulu City Council and had also represented District 9 since 2013 before stepping down in January 2021. Governor Josh Green announced the tragic news in a statement issued Tuesday evening.

Menor passed away on Monday following an "unexpected medical emergency," as per Green's statement, which further reads, "We remember fondly Ron's passionate service to the people of Hawaii over the many years he served in the Legislature and on the Honolulu City Council," HawaiiNewsNow reported.

Rep. Adrian Tam, D-Hawaii, tweeted, "My heart is with the Menor ohana this evening. Ron was a dedicated public servant that served our community well over his years, and I'm saddened to hear that he is no longer with us."

The Hawaii Senate Democrats' account tweeted, "Our thoughts and prayers are with family of former State Senator Ron Menor. Ron served in the Hawaiʻi State Senate from 1987 - 1990 and from 2001 - 2008. He was a dedicated public servant who also served on the Honolulu City Council and in the State House of Representatives."

Menor is survived by his wife, Pat, and three sons Benjamin, Anthony and Andrew. The proud parents had made a trip to Cambridge, Massachusetts just before Thanksgiving. They were visiting Anthony who is doing research work at Harvard University.

Doting dad Menor had shared a photo from the visit on his social media, expressing his joy. "Pat and I just returned from Cambridge, Massachusetts enduring 30 to 40 degree weather to visit our son Anthony who is doing research work at Harvard. Anthony gave us a great tour of the Harvard campus. As parents, there is no greater joy than seeing our children experiencing successes in life. On this Thanksgiving day. we are so grateful for the blessings of our faith in God and our children and families."

While the family has requested privacy as they mourn the loss, people acquainted with Menor praised his efforts toward the community as they paid tribute to him. "He was a true public servant that really cared about the state and his community. This is such a great loss," a Facebook user's statement reads in part.

Just got the sad news that Ron Menor passed. Ron dedicated both his professional and person life to public service. He and his wonderful wife Pat are long time friends of the family. I am so so so...

"Rest in peace, Statesman Ron Menor. You have served our Hawaii State with so much Care and Aloha. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend and a true Kababayan. You will be surely missed my friend. To wife Patty and sons, our deepest condolences. Please be assured of our continuous prayers," another user commentef.

Rest in peace, Statesman Ron Menor . You have served our Hawaii State with so much Care and Aloha. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend and a true Kababayan. You will be surely missed my...

"Details of the celebration of life for former Senator/Councilman Menor will be made available when arrangements have been finalized," Gov. Green stated.

Map of Hawaii locating Honolulu where a Boeing 737 cargo aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing on the water
Representative Image AFP / Jonathan WALTER