Former Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joni Gray dead at 75
Former Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joni Gray, who died Wednesday, is being remembered for her tireless and dedicated service to the Santa Maria Valley in many different ways.
Gray, 75, reportedly collapsed in court earlier this week and died Wednesday evening at Marian Regional Medical Center.
Former colleagues expressed shock at learning of the loss.
Gray spent two years on the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission before being picked in 1998 by Gov. Pete Wilson to fill a Board of Supervisors vacancy for the Fourth District.
The vacancy for the district representing Orcutt and Lompoc arose when incumbent Tim Staffel was appointed judge.
She then ran for the office and was elected Nov. 3, 1998, for a two-year term. On March 7, 2000, Gray was re-elected to her first four-year term and went on to serve several terms through 2012, when she was defeated by Peter Adam.
Second District Supervisor Janet Wolf served with Gray for six years, recalling the welcome and encouragement the veteran member provided the newcomer. Wolf also noted Gray was quick-witted and extremely smart.
“Joni was a very thoughtful and compassionate woman,” Wolf added. “I recall fondly the times I would go to her home for her annual barbecue celebrating the beginning of the Santa Maria rodeo.
“Joni loved and worked very hard for her community, and her passing will be a tremendous loss to all who knew her. I know it will be for me.”
Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.
This story was originally published November 24, 2017 at 11:21 AM with the headline "Former Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joni Gray dead at 75."