Westlake Mayor Robert “Bob” Hardey, 66, died at 6:45 a.m. Saturday at home surrounded by family, according to a news release from the city. He was serving his second term as mayor.

Dan Racca has been serving as mayor pro tempore since Hardey started cancer treatment in mid-September.

“We have conferred all along on decisions. We have been doing that since we served on the city council together, and I plan to continue the work that he started,” Racca said.

Former Vinton Mayor Kenny Stinson said Hardney was “no politician.”

“I really don’t have the words to express how much I will miss him,” Stinson said. “I’ve said this all along. He was a statesman. The world is tired of politicians. We need statesmen, leaders like our first presidents who did what was in the best interest of the country, leaders like Bob. He had Westlake’s best interest at heart. He fought for Westlake. He’s like a brother from another mother. There’s a bond between mayors.”

Sulphur Mayor Mike Danahay described Hardey as a fine gentleman who deeply loved his family and community.

“As mayor, he was a true public servant that lead the city of Westlake through difficult times into the prosperity that it enjoys today. He served with genuine integrity and compassion for others. I truly will miss my mayoral friend,” Danahay said.

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter said  his heart was heavy after hearing the news.

“Bob fought a very good fight,” Hunter said. “Westlake and this entire community are better because of his service and legacy.”

Hardey is known for taking over the administration of the city of Westlake when it was in financial straits. One of his first actions as mayor was to raise the cost of monthly utilities considerably, not something that was well received.

“With Bob, you knew exactly where he stood on an issue because he would tell it like it is,” Stinson said.

He told Westlake residents if they would give him another option for saving the city from bankruptcy, he would gladly listen and he would do that instead of raising utilities, according to Stinson.

City Councilman Mike Bergeron wanted to see Hardey finish what he started, run and win one more term. He admitted he didn’t always agree with Hardey’s choices and they debated those decisions on occasion.

“One of the things I learned from him is, although he gave a person the sense of having this hard exterior, he spent some sleepless nights after making those difficult decisions. He cared more than everyone realized. He had to do what he had to do.”

When Hardey took office, the city was more than $12 million in debt and growth was on the decline. Today the city has paid off more than 50 percent of that debt, paid cash for a new $500,000 fire truck, and the city is growing due to new housing and commercial development. The boundaries of Westlake have been moved to include the Isle of Capri/Horseshoe Casino. The National Golf Club of Louisiana has increased its business and a multi-million-dollar clubhouse with a pro shop and restaurant — for the public — has been built and is already paid off.

During a previous interview with the American Press about moving Westlake from the red to the black, Hardey pointed to Financial Director Jerry Milner. When the city of Westlake maintained its water supply after the ice storm, he claimed it was because of the hard work of Public Works Director Doug Flemming. National Director Gerry Pocket was lauded for his know-how. City Clerk Andrea Mahfouz was praised for doing her job better and faster than anyone else he knew. He wanted to elevate Westlake and elevate his staff and administration. When asked if he would run a third time, he said he would have to check with his wife.

“Always do the right thing for the right reason” was one of Hardey’s favorite sayings, according to Mahfouz.

She said a special meeting will be held next week to appoint an interim mayor. Until that time Racca will continue to act as mayor.

No arrangements have been announced at this time.