4:00pm | “I can’t tell you how sad this makes me and my whole staff. He was a strength in our office for so many years. He was bright, an incredible writer on policy and for speeches, and really, just a steady force in our office. In addition, he was just a great guy,” said former Mayor Beverly O’Neill in a statement to the Long Beach Post.
3:00pm | Cathy Weider, Mayor Beverly O’Neill’s former Chief of Staff told the Long Beach Post today, “We’re all very saddened and shocked by his passing. He was a great man, a true professional, and a great man to everyone. People know him as a speechwriter, but he did so much more. He handled economic development issues, work force issues, the Mayor’s technology initiatives, and many special projects.
One of the things that speaks to Mike is that he would handle the more difficult constituent calls. He treated every person with dignity and compassion, no matter what their station in life. That speaks to who he was as a person.
I remember most his quiet strength. He was always self-deprecating. He never wanted attention or praise, but he was always the one behind the scenes. He was considered the rock in our office.”
2:00pm | Former Long Beach City Manager Jerry Miller told the Long Beach Post today, “
We were all so lucky to have known Mike and to have worked with him. In all ways, he was a complete gentleman. Hopefully we can remember his gentle and kind spirit as we move forward in our lives. This would be the best way to remember him.”
11:00am | Michael “Mike” Sanders, the long-time senior assistant to former Long Beach Mayor Beverly O’Neill passed away Sunday morning.
A memorial service has been scheduled for Saturday August 13, 11:00 a.m., at St. Lawrence Martyr Catholic Church, 1900 S. Prospect Ave., in Redondo Beach. In lieu of flowers, the family is in the process of establishing a memorial fund. More details will be provided once available.
More to come…