By Luige del Puerto | Arizona Capitol Times
Businessman Wil Cardon, who took on Jeff Flake for the open U.S. Senate seat in 2012 and ran for secretary of state two years later, has passed away, his family announced tonight.
He was 46.
“Today a father, husband, son, brother and friend to so many left our family to be with the greatest angels, of which he will now be one,” his family said through a statement sent by public relations consultant Jason Rose.
“The only thing that can ease tears at a moment like this is remembering Wil’s smile that was as wide as Arizona, especially when it came to our five children,” the family added.
Cardon’s family did not say how he died, but openly acknowledged his struggles with depression. The Arizona Republic reported that he committed suicide.
“It is no secret Wil struggled with depression. He tried mightily for us, for himself and for all to overcome it. We are proud of how he faced this disease with openness and honesty. Today it finally took him, as it takes far too many,” his family said.
Cardon lost to Flake in the 2012 Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Jon Kyl. He also unsuccessfully ran for secretary of state in 2014.
In a series of tweets, Flake expressed sorrow at Cardon’s passing.
“Wil was a good man and a good friend, gone far too soon. My prayers are with Nicole and the entire Cardon family,” Flake said, and recalled how Cardon called him after the shooting incident in Virginia in June “just to make sure I was OK.”
Our prayers are with the Cardon family. Wil was a great friend and client. He was the friendliest person I have ever met. He always said you should leave a situation better than you found it. He lived those words every day.!
Wil could not help but do nice things for people. I remember the day I was to meet him at a gas station to drive to meet the mayor of Marana on a project he was developing.
Wil was never late, so after 10 minutes of waiting, I called his cell. He said he would be another 40 minutes or so because he had stopped to help a guy who had a flat tire on the side of the freeway. Wil had tried to change the tire but the spare tire also was a flat.
So instead of giving up on the situation, Wil took the guy, who didn’t speak English and had very little money, to the closest discount tire. Wil not only bought the tire but drove back to man’s car and changed the tire.
Wil finally showed up at the gas station with the man, his usually neatly pressed collared shirt was stained with grease and his khakis were muddy. I jumped before we could leave, Wil said, “I need to give the guy some waters and snacks.”
He always carried more water and snacks than he would ever need, and I think he’d hand them out to those he thought needed them more. Wil gave the man water and when he came back, I told him he’s done an amazing thing. When he put the water in the man’s car he saw he had a gun between the seat.
Wil was so smart, insightful and always trying to improve everything he was involved in. He took over his family’s real estate business and made a series of terrific decisions that allowed it to grow during both the up and down cycles. He inspired through his words and his actions. I miss Wil so much already. I just feel so blessed to have known him for the past 20 years.
~ Jordan Rose
