Funeral services were pending Monday for former Long Beach Mayor Robert Foster, who led the city from 2006 to 2014.
Foster died Sunday at age 78, according to the city. A cause of death was not immediately released.
“Mayor Bob Foster served Long Beach with steady leadership and a deep love for our community,” current Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. “He guided our city through challenging times with honesty, courage and a clear sense of responsibility. Long Beach is stronger because of his service. On behalf of our entire city, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Nancy and the Foster family as we honor his life and legacy.”
Foster served as president of Southern California Edison prior to seeking public office. According to the city, he guided Long Beach through the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, and by the end of his time in office, the city had a budget surplus for the first time in a decade..
After leaving office, he served on local nonprofit and community boards.
“Bob Foster was a modern-day Cincinnatus. He took the responsibility of public service incredibly seriously and was never afraid to do the right thing, even if it was unpopular,” City Manager Tom Modica said in a statement. “He was incredibly generous with his time and resources, helping anyone who needed it, with unmatched wit, humor and kindness. Those of us who got to work closely with him will never forget him and his service to Long Beach.”
Foster is survived by his wife, Nancy.