Congressman Ed Pastor Passes Away At 75

Official congressional portrait of Congressman Ed Pastor.

Today, Governor Doug Ducey ordered that flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff immediately until sunset tomorrow, November 29, 2018 in honor of the life and legacy of Congressman Ed Pastor, who passed away last night. Flags will also be lowered on the day of interment, which has not been set.

Pastor was Arizona’s first Hispanic congressman and had a lasting impact on not only Arizona, but Northern Arizona and Coconino County. Family members reported to AZCentral that he passed away last night from a heart-attack at the age of 75. He is survived by his wife Verma, two daughters, Yvonne and Laura, and four grandchildren.

Congressman Pastor served as a member of Congress for Arizona from 1991 to 2015.

Governor Doug Ducey stated “Today, Arizona mourns the loss of an Arizona trailblazer and true public servant, Congressman Ed Pastor," said Governor Ducey. "Born in Claypool, Arizona, Congressman Pastor served 23 years in Congress, becoming the first Latino to represent Arizona in Congress. Before that, Congressman Pastorserved three terms as a Maricopa County Supervisor, as an aide to Governor Raul Castro, in numerous community roles, and as a high school chemistry teacher. The first in his family to graduate from college, he earned both a bachelor of arts degree in chemistry and law degree from Arizona State University. My deepest sympathies go out to Congressman Pastor’s family and loved ones. In honor of his life of service, I'm ordering flags across the state be lowered to half-staff in recognition of the long-lasting impact he will leave on Arizona.”

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors also noted his accomplishments for Northern Arizona and Coconino County in a statement “As a member of the House Appropriations Committee he was instrumental in securing funding for transit, most notably the funding that started the Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority (NAIPTA), as well as other transportation projects throughout the region. He also championed appropriations for the Land and Water Conservation Fund to acquire land and support parks and recreation opportunities across the state. His impact on northern Arizona and Coconino County will be felt for generations to come. Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife, family and friends.”

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