Former Arlington Board Member Erik Gutshall Dies

ARLINGTON, VA — Former Arlington County Board Vice Chair Erik Gutshall, 49, died on Thursday, according to news reports. He had stepped down from the Board on April 6, after receiving treatment for brain cancer.

His wife Renee Gutshall posted a message on her Facebook page:

"It is with a broken heart that I share this news…. today the sweetest, most amazing man has lost his battle with brain cancer. It was only 8 weeks ago that Erik Gutshall received this diagnosis, leaving us too quickly but peacefully today surrounded in love by his family.

"Erik Gutshall April 28, 1970 – April 16, 2020

"We’ll share information about a memorial service once we’re beyond the current COVID-19 crisis."

"I decided to run for elected office because I believe in the power of community voices to make a difference in our County," Erik Gutshall said, in a statement following his resignation from the Board. "Serving Arlington for the past 2+ years as a Board Member and many years before that as a Planning Commissioner has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I've had the honor of working side-by-side with many Arlingtonians who always inspired me to work harder and to do more."

Founder and president of Clarendon Home Services, Erik Gutshall was elected to the Board in November 2017, according to his Arlington County biography. He and his wife moved into Lyon Park in 1995.

An active member of the Arlington community, Erik Gutshall served as a PTA volunteer and coached youth soccer. He also served on the Board of Doorways for Women and Families, and Western Presbyterian Church's Facilities Committee.

Prior to his tenure on the Board, he was chair of the Arlington County Planning Commission. He also was the vice-chair of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government’s Metropolitan Washington Air Quality Committee and director of the Virginia Association of Counties, chairing its Economic Development and Planning Steering Committee.

Erik Gutshall was a graduate of both James Madison University with an M.S. in political science and The George Washington University with an M.A. in environmental resources policy.

He is survived by his wife and three daughters.

Also read ...

Arlington County Board Member Erik Gutshall Resigns

DemBiz offers its sincere condolences to the family of former Arlington County Board Member Erik Gutshall, who lost his battle with brain cancer yesterday. We thank Erik for his years of service to Arlington and Northern Virginia. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/71lJZSZPV1
— Democratic Business Council of Northern Virginia (@DemBizNoVA) April 17, 2020