William Royer

On April 11, 1920, Royer was born as William Howard Royer in Jerome, Idaho. Royer's family moved to Redwood City, California. In 1938, Royer graduated from Sequoia High School in Redwood City, California.[1][2]

Royer earned his B.S. at Santa Clara University and did graduate work at what is now Oklahoma State University.[2]

In 1943, Royer served in the United States Army Air Corps until 1945. In 1940s, Royer became a realtor and he started Royer Realty Company.[3]

In 1950, Royer's politics career began when he served on the Redwood City Council until 1966. In 1956, Royer became mayor of Redwood City until 1960. In 1972, Royer was elected to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and in 1976, he was reelected.[1]

In 1979, Royer won a special election to succeed the late congressman Leo J. Ryan (D-San Mateo), winning with 57% of the vote. He finished out the remainder of Ryan's term. In the 1980 election, Royer was defeated, losing 46.4% to 43.3% to Democratic challenger Tom Lantos. Royer ran against Lantos again in 1982, losing 57% to 40%.

Royer's wife was Shirley. They had two sons, Dennis and Peter. In 2010, Roger's wife Shirley died. On April 8, 2013, Royer died in his home of natural causes in Redwood City, California. He was 92 years old and three days before his 93rd birthday.[2] Royer is buried at Alta Mesa Memorial Park in Palo Alto, California. [4]

Royer's nephew Jim Harnett is also a politician, as mayor of Redwood City.[1]

• United States Congress. "William Royer (id: R000489)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.