Arizona Representative Paul Gosar (R-AZ-04), among other Arizona officials, released a statement offering condolences after the recent loss of Queen Creek Mayor Gail Barney.
“Maude [Gosar] and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Mayor Barney and we send our deepest condolences to Pam [Barney] and her family. Mayor Barney loved Queen Creek and was a tireless champion for all those that live in this community,” Gosar said. “Today, we lift his entire family up in prayer during this most difficult time.”
Furthermore, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) ordered that flags fly at half-staff Friday to honor the life of Barney.
“Serving Queen Creek for over 20 years, Mayor Barney dedicated his life to the people of Queen Creek. He was committed to fostering economic growth and creating opportunities for Queen Creek’s growing population. His legacy as a humble public servant who cared for his community will live on,” Ducey said. “I offer my deepest condolences and prayers to his family and loved ones. In his memory, I’ve ordered all state flags be lowered to half-staff Friday.”
Ducey praised Barney for his work as mayor. He attributed Barney with making Queen Creek one of the fastest-growing municipalities in the nation by attracting industry giants and new residents.
Arizona is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mayor Gail Barney. A resident of Queen Creek nearly his entire life, he cared greatly about his community and all those who called it home. 1/ https://t.co/AwpTZXovDx
— Doug Ducey (@DougDucey) June 23, 2022
Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05), who represents Queen Creek, tweeted his condolences and offered prayers to the family when news broke of Barney’s passing.
“Arizona’s 5th Congressional District lost a great man and dedicated public servant,” Biggs tweeted.
Queen Creek Mayor Gail Barney recently passed away.
Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District lost a great man and dedicated public servant.
My prayers go out to Gail’s family during their time of loss. pic.twitter.com/i1dDX3i8kH
— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) June 23, 2022
Barney was 74 years old when he passed. According to the City of Queen Creek (COQC), he had been battling a lung infection for the past few months. He is survived by his wife, Pam, three children, 16 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
At just six months old, Barney and his family moved from Safford, Arizona, to Queen Creek, where he spent the rest of his life. Barney grew up working on his family’s farm and continued this work for many years until getting involved in local government. Initially getting involved because he had difficulty crossing Germann Road on his tractor, Barney joined the Planning & Zoning Commission in 1998. In 2002, Barney was appointed to fill a vacancy in the Town Council, where he served until becoming mayor in 2010.
“Mayor Barney was known for saying it is the people that make Queen Creek so special – taking time to get to know one another and look out for each other. He shared his greatest influences were his parents, local school leaders and the founding families who helped shape the community that was so near to his heart. Mayor Barney embodied what it meant to be QC neighborly – while his years of leadership and dedication will leave a legacy in the Queen Creek community – he will be sincerely missed,” according to the COQC statement.
The viewing and funeral service for Barney will be held in Queen Creek on July 8th from 6 to 8 p.m. and on July 9th at 10 a.m., respectively.
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Neil Jones is a reporter for The Arizona Sun Times and The Star News Network. Follow Neil on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Paul Gosar” by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0. Photo “Gail Barney” by Arizona Department of Revenue. Background Photo “Queen Creek Town Hall” by Tony the Marine. CC BY-SA 3.0.
