Richard Elias, 1958-2020 Board Chairman passes away at 61

Statement from the Pima County District Five Supervisors office about the passing of Board of Supervisors Chairman Richard Elias this morning: 

We announce the passing a friend, husband, and father, Richard Elias, who was chairman of the Pima County Board of Supervisors. He died early today at his midtown home.

Richard was a lifelong Democrat, a social-justice advocate, and a noted music aficionado who was loved by many of all walks of life. His friends ranged from homeless people and toiling workers to the wealthy and powerful.

Richard represented Pima County District Five since his appointment to the seat in 2002. He won elections in 2002, 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016. Richard had filed for his candidacy for another four-year term last week.

He was a fifth generation Tucsonan and a seventh-generation southern Arizonan. He is survived by his wife, Emily, and his daughter, Luz. The family asks for privacy during this time of grief. Services will be announced at a later date.