Posted on 04/21/2005 10:04:49 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
TORRANCE, Calif. (AP) - Deane Dana, a former Los Angeles County supervisor for 16 years who was known for his gentle demeanor among a panel of outspoken board members, has died. He was 78.
Dana, who had Alzheimer's for several years, died Thursday of a heart attack at Torrance Memorial Medical Center, said his son, Deane.
During his tenure, Dana pushed for a businesslike approach to government, including privatizing county services. Fifty-seven departments were consolidated to 34 during his term from 1980 to 1996 representing the fourth district, which stretches from Marina del Rey to Long Beach and from Whittier to Diamond Bar.
He is also credited with establishing job programs for foster children and setting up one of the county's first homeless shelters.
"He and my mom, they were joined at the hip. She was the firecracker that made him the successful politician," Dana's son said. "Politics was his life. He loved it, as much as he loved his family. He was hooked since the Reagan days."
Prior be elected to the Board of Supervisors, Dana worked as an engineer for Pacific Telephone Co. for 27 years and served in the U.S. Air Force.
In addition to his son, Dana is survived by his wife, Doris, three daughters and six grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held April 29 at the Deane Dana Friendship Park and Nature Center in San Pedro.
condolences to the family.
dalereed -
I'm curious if you knew him? sounds like he did some good in his time. must have been a republican. ;-)
He was a Republican. Believe it or not, the Republicans controlled the LA County Board of Supervisors for a long stretch of time... the control ended when the Bush 41 Justice Department filed suit, saying the district lines violated the voting rights act - this suit resulted in Gloria Molina's election, and the rest is history.
Thanks!
No mention of affiliation and his working to consolidate and privatize services was a red flag he was not a dem. ;-)
"I'm curious if you knew him?"
I knew him but not well.
He was a Republican conservative and worked closely with my good friend Mike Antonovitch, County Supervisor, who was left as the last Republican and conservative on the board when Dana left.
Condolences to the family, he was a good man and will be missed.
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