During a somber press conference to announce the passing of popular Lompoc mayor Dick DeWees, city councilmembers and friends remembered DeWees for his love of the community and sense of humor.
Lompoc City Administrator Laurel Barcelona called DeWees a “friend to all,” saying he was supportive of the council staff and did all he could for the city.
“He always had a smile on his face and a positive outlook,” Barcelona said. “He worked well with the councilmembers. He was just a very upbeat, positive man.”
Councilman Bob Lingl said DeWees was the “ultimate mayor” for community involvement.
“Everyone who knew him, loved him. He was a professional person, but when it came down to having fun, he could have as much as anyone,” Lingl said. “It’s a huge loss to the city, to the county, and to the state of California.”
DeWees died July 30 from “complications related to a prior medical condition,” according to a press release from the city. He was 61.
Lompoc’s mayor since 1998, DeWees was elected to a sixth term in 2008.
In a press release, Santa Maria Mayor Larry Lavagnino remembered his friend DeWees as an “exceptional representative” who knew how to get things done.
“He was a big man with a good head on his shoulders, a heck of a sense of humor, and a big, booming laugh,” Lavagnino said in the release. “While he liked to make people happy, above all, he was one of those really special guys who sincerely cared about giving back to his community.”
The council has until the end of August to decide whether to hold a special election or appoint a new mayor. In the meantime, Councilwoman Anne Ruhge will serve as mayor pro-tem.
“He was a joy to work with, and I will personally miss him a lot,” Ruhge said of DeWees. “He would always lift me up.”
Fellow Councilman Mike Siminski said he’d most miss the post-council discussions with DeWees.
“Dick and I disagreed in the council on a number of things, but afterward we could always go out for coffee and be friends,” Siminski said.
Bernie Federmann, DeWees’ pastor and friend, offered a prayer and condolences to DeWees’ family.
“The city has not only lost a great mayor, but a great friend,” Federmann said. “That goofy, humorous man is laughing right now in Heaven.”
This article appears in Aug 6-13, 2009.
