Former Paradise Valley Mayor Ed Lowry Dies

Lowry was instrumental in shaping the town's vision and character over decades of public service.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Ed Lowry, a former longtime mayor of Paradise Valley, Arizona, has passed away. Lowry was a towering figure in the town's history, helping to preserve the community's original vision and character through his leadership and consensus-building abilities over many years in office.

Why it matters

As one of the longest-serving mayors in Paradise Valley's history, Lowry played a crucial role in maintaining the town's identity and upholding the values established by its founders in the 1960s, even as the surrounding Phoenix metro area rapidly grew and evolved.

The details

Lowry served as mayor of Paradise Valley for over two decades, working to protect the town's low-density residential character and natural desert landscape. He was known for his ability to bring diverse community members together to find common ground on important local issues.

  • Ed Lowry served as mayor of Paradise Valley from the 1980s until his retirement in the early 2000s.

The players

Ed Lowry

The former longtime mayor of Paradise Valley, Arizona, who was instrumental in preserving the town's original vision and character over his decades in office.

Ed Winkler

A long-time friend of Lowry's who praised his leadership abilities and consensus-building skills as mayor.

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What they’re saying

“His vision for PV was that he wanted what the founders from 1961 wanted when the town was founded — he wanted to preserve what they had put together, what they had designed.”

— Ed Winkler, Long-time friend of Lowry (yourvalley.net)

“He was able to bring people together, as true leaders do, and form consensus. It was effortless for him to do that.”

— Ed Winkler, Long-time friend of Lowry (yourvalley.net)

The takeaway

Lowry's long tenure as mayor underscores the importance of local leaders who can preserve a community's founding vision and values, even as the surrounding region undergoes significant change and growth.