Jeffrey Lamarand.

TAYLOR — Former Taylor Mayor Jeffrey Lamarand passed away Sunday, Oct. 18 at his family’s new Dexter home. He was 45.  The cause of death is still unknown, but police have ruled out the possibility of foul play. He is survived by his wife and two children. 

The former mayor was first elected to City Council in 2005. He served on the planning commission and the master plan steering committee, along with the tax increment finance authority and the brownfield redevelopment board. 

Lamarand campaigned for mayor against then-incumbent Cameron Priebe in 2009 and won a resounding victory, marking the first time that Priebe had ever been defeated in an election. During his only term in office, Mayor Lamarand faced financially difficult challenges as the city – like many other Michigan municipalities – lost more and more revenue. Eventually, Lamarand made large cuts to staffing in city government and instituted a state-approved deficit elimination plan that is still in effect. Current Mayor Rick Sollars defeated Lamarand in last year’s general election.

Mayor Lamarand’s widow, Mishelle, issued the following statement on behalf of the Lamarand Family: 

 “It is true that we lost Jeff last evening and this is a very difficult time for not only me and our young children, but for the entire extended family. There will be a private family service and a celebration of Jeff’s life scheduled at a later date. For now, we appreciate everyone’s kind thoughts, and ask that you respect our privacy as we work our way through this very difficult time in our lives.”