Dearborn mayor dies of cancer at 52

On Tuesday, the citizens of Dearborn, Michigan, and Ford Motor Company lost a dear friend. Dearborn Mayor Michael Guido passed away at his home after a 9-month battle with cancer. He was 52.

Guido had been mayor of the city that Ford Motor Company calls home for nearly six terms spanning 21 years, making him one of the longest serving mayors in Michigan.

During his tenure, Guido worked closely with Ford on several projects. He was the driving force behind the $43-million dollar Ford Performing Arts and Community Center. This was one of Guido's proudest accomplishments, with its hi-tech gym, several auditoriums and a senior citizens center that's the envy of many other cities.

"He personified honor, humility and caring; traits sorely lacking in today's world. He could win over even the harshest critic with his wonderful sense of humor," said Bill Ford, executive chairman of the Ford Motor Company, "he had a deep love for Dearborn, which was returned by all whom he touched," Ford said of Guido. "I will miss him greatly."

Guido is survived by his wife, Kari Arvanigian Guido and two sons, Michael, 19, and Anthony, 14. Funeral arrangements are pending.

See Bill Ford's complete statement after the jump.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

STATEMENT: DEARBORN MAYOR MICHAEL GUIDO

The following statement on the death of Dearborn Mayor Michael Guido is attributable to Bill Ford, executive chairman, Ford Motor Company.

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 5 – "Mike Guido was a great friend to me and to Ford Motor Company. He personified honor, humility and caring; traits sorely lacking in today's world. He could win over even the harshest critic with his wonderful sense of humor. As mayor of Dearborn, he played a key role in numerous projects that benefited the community and our company, such as the Ford Rouge Center renovation and the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center. He did an outstanding job for the people of our hometown, many of whom are Ford employees. The city has lost a great leader and our company has lost a great partner. He had a deep love for Dearborn, which was returned by all whom he touched. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. I will miss him greatly."