(Queen Creek, AZ) The Mayor of Queen Creek, Gail Barney, died at 74 after battling a longtime lung infection.
Barney grew up in Queen Creek on a farm with his family. He noticed and experienced some problems on the farm, so he got into the local government to help.
“Mayor Barney often shared he was having trouble crossing Germann Road on his tractor, so he got involved and never looked back,” according to the Queen Creek government.
He earned an associate degree from Mesa Community College and a bachelor's degree from Arizona State University.
He served on the planning and zoning commission from 1988-2002 and was then asked to serve on the Town Council to fill a vacant spot. He served on the town council until he was elected Mayor in 2010.
Barney was beloved in his community not only by the Queen Creek Citizens but also by prominent political Arizona figures.
Governor Doug Ducey posted on Twitter, talking about his impact on the community after he passed away.
Andy Briggs, the fifth district representative of Arizona, also tweeted about him and said he is praying for Barney’s family.
“The Town of Queen Creek is mourning the loss of Barney and said, It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Queen Creek Mayor Gail Barney. Mayor Barney dedicated his life to service, his family, and the success of the Queen Creek community,” the Town’s official Twitter page states.
Barney provided a lot for Queen Creek residents throughout his time in office and on the town council.
“From opening Ellsworth Loop to starting a fire department and providing municipal water services, Mayor Barney assisted the council with strategic decisions that helped propel the community forward,” a Queen Creek press release offers.
Barney has left his legacy in Arizona not only as a mayor but also as a town council member. He helped citizens from Queen Creek with whatever they needed and advanced many systems.
“Mayor Barney assisted the council with strategic decisions that helped propel the community forward. Under his leadership as Mayor, the Town continued to make strategic advancements becoming the first municipality with a fully funded pension system, and recently the launch of the Queen Creek Police Department,” Queen Creek government.
The viewing and services for Gail Barney will be held at the LDS Stake Center on July 8th from 6 to 8 p.m. The funeral service is on July 9 at 10 a.m. Visit the Town of Queen Creek website for details.
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