Long a stout representative of Arizona's agricultural community at the state Legislature, Rick Lavis, 76, passed away Saturday after a lengthy battle with cancer.
A committed, fair-minded advocate for his industry, cotton growing, Lavis in fact was more than a representative of an important sector of the Arizona economy. He also was a passionate advocate for his state's long-term economic best interests. And that included helping assure a bountiful water supply for all.