Public officials react to the death of Mayor Neil Winter

Mayor Neil Winter was present at last year's community Thanksgiving meal with (from left) Rosa Falco, Tony Falco, Gloria Sanchez and City Council members Lesa Sobek and Greg August. Menifee 24/7 file photo

Public officials from Menifee and surrounding areas reacted with shock, sorrow and great respect for Menifee Mayor Neil Winter, who died Saturday night at the age of 65. Here is a sampling of the responses:

Lesa Sobek, Menifee Mayor Pro Tem:

"I’m still in shock. It’s hard to believe that Mayor Neil Winter is no longer with us. My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to Deb, their children and grandchildren. May they be blessed with comfort at this time and the weeks ahead.

"Mayor Winter will truly be missed. He loved serving the residents of Menifee. It was important to him to make himself available to the public, especially staying connected on social media. As the new elected mayor in 2016, Neil came in and went right to work, using skills from his business background.

"Council member [Greg] August and I were just with him at an event Friday evening. He enjoyed making his rounds, talking to everyone in the room. It amazed me how he had gotten to know so many residents in just 18 short months. I’m deeply touched by all the kind and loving messages I and the other council members have received since late last night. Thank you, Menifee family."

Greg August, Menifee City Council member:

"A tireless campaigner and advocate for the city who more than lived up to his pledge of being an everyday mayor. I greatly respected and appreciated his willingness to learn and grow into the office and work with his peers. It's a loss that will be hard to overcome. My deepest condolences to family and friends."

Matt Liesemeyer, Menifee City Council member:

"Along with his family and everyone else in the City of Menifee, I am in disbelief over what has happened last night.

"I first met Neil on his campaign trail while he was looking to serve at a time when the city was recovering from a huge black eye. After he won, he quickly immersed himself in everything the city had going on. He was a sponge for information and he quickly became a rock on the city council, helping to create stability that everyone needed. As the months went on, he continued to learn more and quickly became engaged in regional legislative efforts as well as local issues.

"Neil was always so responsive and genuinely tried hard to connect to all the groups in town, wanting to make a difference. Behind the scenes, he was always cracking jokes, and his sense of humor brought levity to some of our most challenging discussions. Neil was a great man and I will miss him."

Jonathan Ingram, Murrieta Mayor:

"It was with great sadness that I received the shocking news of the passing of a friend and leader, Mayor Neil Winter. All who knew Mayor Winter understood him as a true gentleman of great warmth and kindness. His passing is a tragic loss for the City of Menifee and profound personal loss for all who were fortunate enough to have worked with him. During this time of sorrow, my thoughts and prayers are with his wife and his family."

Randon Lane, Murrieta City Council member:

"I am saddened by the loss of a good man and a good public servant. May God be with Menifee Mayor Neil Winter and his family. May he Rest In Peace."

Vicki Carpenter, Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce:

"On behalf of the Menifee Chamber Board and members, Anthony J. LoPiccolo Jr. and I are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Mayor Neil Winter. Neil truly cared about the community and wanted businesses to come and flourish in Menifee. We at the Chamber enjoyed working with him and the city on projects. He was passionate, respectful and caring."

Jerry Bowman, Menifee Union School District Board:

"This is such tragic news. I just talked to Neil at the Menifee Arts Showcase. Neil changed the culture of the city and worked tirelessly to connect with the residents. RIP Neil. Menifee has lost a good man way too soon."

Bob O'Donnell, Menifee Union School District Board:

"He was a wonderful ambassador for our new city. I will miss him. Thoughts and prayers are with his family. God bless you at this time."