Former Arvada Mayoral Candidate Dave Palm Dies At 70

ARVADA, CO — Former Arvada mayoral candidate Dave Palm died Sunday of complications from COVID-19, friends and family confirmed. He was 70.

The fourth generation Colorado native and lifelong Jefferson County resident was known for speaking his mind on controversial topics, such as the COVID-19 vaccine, but even those who disagreed with him couldn't deny that he loved his home city of Arvada, where he lived since 1960.

Palm was a small business co-owner with 15 years of experience in finance and insurance, and more than two decades of experience in the information technology field.

As Arvada Historical Society director, Palm was driven by his belief that Arvada should be preserved as a small, "Mayberry-like" hometown with the "charm and character that has drawn residents to Arvada since before Colorado was even a state," Palm's statement on his 2019 mayoral candidate webpage read.

Palm believed in respecting the wishes of Arvada's historical figures, such as pioneer widow Clemency McIlvoy, who deeded her home and the land surrounding it in 1919 to the city of Arvada, creating the city's first park.

McIlvoy's pre-Prohibition-era deed specifically stated that "no intoxicating liquors" would be consumed at the park, but the city has been allowing low-alcohol beer to be consumed via permit at the pavilion for ages — something Palm disagreed with.

"Whatever [Clemency's] beliefs were at that time, she very generously gave the land so Arvada could have its first park," Palm told Patch an interview in 2019. "This was strictly as result of a gift in perpetuity and she wanted her wishes followed. It's a nice piece of land in Olde Town and the city needs to live up to it."

Many disagreed with his blunt, outspoken views on the pandemic, COVID-19 vaccinations and politics, but in several posts, his friends have asked community members to tone down the rhetoric and show support for Palm's grieving family.

Palm was passionate about supporting local Arvada businesses and "letting the free market work," he would say.

"I believe that Arvada is the best place to live on the front range," read a statement posted to his mayoral candidate page, in part. "At least part of the reason has to be great views, quiet neighborhoods, low crime rate and, an over-all old time neighborhood feel."