Several current Santa Barbara County supervisors expressed their grief over the weekend following the sudden passing of former Fourth District Supervisor Joni Gray.
Gray reportedly collapsed in court on Nov. 19. She was then transported to Marian Regional Medical Center where she died three days later. She was 75.
“I was shocked to hear of Joni’s sudden passing,” 2nd District Supervisor Janet Wolf said in a statement. “Joni was my colleague on the board for my first six years as supervisor. She was very welcoming when I joined the board in 2007, and later encouraged me to take her place on the retirement board where she’d served admirably for many years. She had a quick wit and was extremely smart.”
Gray was appointed in August of 1998 by then-Gov. Pete Wilson to fill the seat of the Santa Barbara County’s 4th District. She then ran successfully in 1998 for a two-year term. Gray was re-elected to her first four-year term in March 2000 and went on to serve several terms through 2012.
That year, she lost to current sitting Supervisor Peter Adam.
“Joni loved and worked very hard for her community and her passing will be a tremendous loss to all who knew her,” Wolf said. “I know it will be for me.”
Fifth District Supervisor Steve Lavagnino also praised Gray and her tenure as a supervisor.
“Joni was a fascinating woman with North County roots that ran deeper than most,” he said. “She embraced the Western lifestyle and was a huge supporter of the Elks Rodeo and FFA. As a huge sports fan, she has been the backbone and driving influence behind the North County Athletic Roundtable that recognizes local high school athletes.
“I will miss her greatly, and hope I can live up to her legacy,” he added.
This article appears in Nov 30 – Dec 7, 2017.
