Coachella Valley LGBT activist George Zander dies
George Zander, who was a prominent activist in the Coachella Valley's LGBT community, died Thursday, his husband said.
Zander, 71, died "in loving arms and in very little pain," his husband, Chris Zander, said in a Facebook post. "His passion and strength has paved the road for many of us to follow and build from. His legacy will live on forever. I love this man more than I love life itself. I can only assume that is what true love is."
The cause of death was unclear. Chris Zander could not be reached for comment Thursday.
Desert Stonewall Democrats Chairwoman Ruth Debra said Zander was rushed to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs early Thursday and he died sometime between 7 and 7:30 a.m.
"This was sudden. This was unexpected," she said. ""All of us who are his friends are very sad and a little angry."
George Zander, who lived in Palm Springs for more than two decades, was regional field manager for Equality California, a statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization. He also chaired the Desert Stonewall Democrats for years and led the King County Democratic Party while living in Seattle, said local political consultant Richard Oberhaus.
He was known for his positive and energetic attitude. Over the years, Zander expressed support for helping the homeless, banning plastic bags and not taxing medical marijuana.
"This is really a complete surprise and terrible loss for Equality California and the entire LGBT community and the entire community of Palm Springs," Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur said.
Our Voice: Farewell George Zander, a valley champion
Palm Springs Mayor Rob Moon expressed a "deep sense of loss" in a statement Thursday.
"He was a wonderful man with a tremendous dedication to our city and a passionate and tireless commitment to the ongoing fight for equality,” he said. “George was a kind and gentle man… and at the same time a strong and committed leader, who was never afraid to speak his mind on issues he cared about. He will be terribly missed by many of us in the LGBT community who benefitted from his experience and expertise."
Zander lived in Seattle before moving to the Coachella Valley. In a tweet, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray said "George Zander was a powerful voice for change and a dear friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his husband, Chris, his family & friends."
Palm Springs Councilman Geoff Kors spent nearly a decade as Equality California’s executive director and hired Zander as a field organizer in 2009. Zander also helped with Kors’ campaign for a council seat this year.
Zander coordinated Equality California’s local volunteer efforts, running phone banks and door-to-door campaigns on issues such as same-sex marriage and health care access.
“And he did an amazing job,” Kors said. “He’s just an amazing human being, a passionate activist. He’ll be sorely missed by so many people.”
Zander preceded Debra as the Desert Stonewall Democrats chair and "always worked hard for equality," she said.
"He meant a great deal to this valley. He was a voice for equality and now that voice is gone," she said.
His death came nearly six weeks after he and his husband were attacked in an incident that Palm Springs police investigated as a hate crime.
The attack happened Nov. 1 near Calle Encilia and Tahquitz Canyon Way in Palm Springs. George Zander required surgery for a double fracture to his hip and Chris Zander suffered a concussion and needed staples in the back of his head.
Desert Hot Springs resident Christopher Carr and Palm Springs resident Keith Terranova are the two suspects accused in the attack. Both pleaded not guilty to the accusations and remain in custody.
Palm Springs police Lt. Mike Kovaleff said police have not determine the reason behind Zander's death and that it is unknown at this time whether it could be attributed to the attack.
John Hall, a spokesman for the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, said it was still unclear how Zander’s death will impact the prosecution of his attackers.
“The investigation is ongoing in this case and I can’t say at this time what may happen,” Hall said. “As with any criminal case we have filed, if new evidence is presented to us or gathered by us, we can amend the charges as necessary based on that evidence. In this particular case, it is too soon for me to say how our continuing investigation will unfold.”
Members of the community -- as well as local politicians -- rallied behind the Zanders and condemned the attacks.
Desert Sun reporters Kia Farhang and Anna Rumer contributed to this story.