Kane colleagues stunned by news of Vazquez's death
The unexpected death of Kane County Board member Jesse B. Vazquez sent shock waves of mourning through his fellow elected officials, family and friends Tuesday morning.
Most Kane County Board members learned of Vazquez's death only a couple of hours before gathering for two monthly meetings Tuesday. Officials labored through votes with little to no comment on most issues as they digested the news.
"I can't think straight," board member T.R. Smith said. "We had a bond through our military service. I'm at a loss for words."
Vazquez, 51, was one of the most senior Democrats on the county board. He was one of the pioneer Hispanic board members and was well-known for being deeply involved with his family and activism in Montgomery and Aurora. Board members said Vazquez died of a heart attack.
The news fueled hugs among board members who knew and served with Vazquez. Officials honored Vazquez with two lengthy moments of silence to start the meetings and an honorary final salute to Vazquez's empty chair in recognition of his military service.
Board member Mike Kenyon said Vazquez's death leaves a sense of unfinished business.
"There's not much you can say when you lose a friend," Kenyon said. "There's a lot more that young man had to do. Our hearts go out to Jesse and all his family and friends. It's a big loss for Montgomery and all of the county."
Board member Theresa Barreiro described Vazquez as a personal mentor. She said the death was especially surprising as Vazquez was known to participate in basketball, hockey and other physical feats that would seemingly indicate good health.
"It's just very, very sad," Barreiro said. "Thoughts and prayers to his family."
Vazquez and his wife, Maria, have three children and one granddaughter. The family has lived in Montgomery 19 years.
Vazquez served four years in the Marine Corps, achieving the rank of corporal. His public service includes being on the board of directors for the Greater Aurora Chamber of Commerce, former president of the local 708 mental health board, a member of the Montgomery Village planning commission, and a co-founder of Partners in Health, a networking group that helps local residents gain better access to health care.
It is, in part, because of that wide range of community service that Vazquez was among the few people who may have been able to say all of his Facebook friends were real-life friends. His Facebook page quickly became a dynamic memorial to his personal and professional legacy. Tributes poured onto the page throughout the day.
"I'm so very sad to hear of the passing of Jesse B. Vazquez," wrote Sherry Winchester Schultz, who identified herself as a childhood friend. "He was one of those people who only makes lifelong friends. There is another hole in Aurora's heart today."
Jill Marie described Vazquez as both a great family man and a great man overall.
"He had a wonderful sense of humor and gave me a run for my money on the pool table a time or two," Marie wrote. "It was a privilege getting to know him and all of the wonderful things he did for our county. My condolences go out to his loved ones. You will be missed, friend."
Recently, Vazquez was embroiled in several clashes with Kane County Board Chairman Chris Lauzen. The two openly battled on the board floor and after meetings several times, but Lauzen said they had recently buried the hatchet.
"I'm very sorry for the Vazquez family loss and for our loss," Lauzen said. "Way more times than not, we agreed. It was just last week that Jesse stopped by the office. He had that tie on, and it was Marine Corps sharp. We talked about how every day we get a fresh start on relationships. That's the spirit that a Marine goes after every day. And I'm glad one of the final comments was about how valuable our friendship, outside of once in a while disagreeing, was to both of us."
Lauzen said the county board will take a mourning period of up to four weeks before deciding how to handle Vazquez's vacant county board seat.