The sudden death of 51-year old Robert Ming, a much-loved and respected former Laguna Niguel City Councilman, has reverberated through the worlds of Orange County Republican politics and local elected officialdom.
According to news reports, Ming died in a plane crash in Kansas. He was piloting the plane as it took off from Johnson County Executive Airport destined for Albuquerque, New Mexico, when it crashed at the end of the runway. Ming was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ming is survived by his wife and four children.
Ming had served on the Laguna Niguel City Council from November 2006 to December 2014. He was a founder of the Association of California Cities-Orange County, and a leader in conservative local government thought and activism.
“When future generations look back at our rich history, Robert will be remembered as one of the most consequential figures to have ever shaped the city of Laguna Niguel,” said Laguna Niguel Mayor Elaine Gennawey in a statement. “He was not only a public servant but an exemplary leader, a remarkable philanthropist and a kind and humble soul.”
At the time of his passing, Ming was also CEO of Thoughtworld, a startup social media company built as a platform for the civil exchange of ideas and thought collaboration.
The tragic news prompted an outpouring of grief and disbelief from the wide ocean of Ming’s family, friends and other lives he had touched.
