SF City Hall colleagues express grief, fond memories after death of Mayor Ed Lee

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee's colleagues and friends shared their heartfelt condolences and personal memories during the Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday.

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The light scent of flowers filled the Mayor's office while a heaviness covered the Board's Chambers.

"The mayor was not only an outstanding public servant, but a husband and a father," said San Francisco Supervisor Malia Cohen.

One by one supervisors from around the city voiced their grief.

"I believe truly he was the most kind, gentle man who happened to be a politician," said San Francisco Supervisor Ahsha Safa.

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Supervisor Katy Tang's voice broke as she spoke about Mayor Lee, "I would not be here today if it were not for him."

Supervisor Mark Farrell told a personal story from last week. He brought his young son to a tree lighting ceremony and his son thought he got to light the tree, not the mayor. When Mayor Lee overheard, he invited the child to help him flip the switch.

Many supervisors mentioned Mayor Lee's sense of humor, including Supervisor Norman Yee. "I didn't know how corny his jokes were until I went to Ireland in 2013. He goes, do you know there's a river named after me here? River Lee."

Supervisor Hillary Ronen said despite criticizing Mayor Lee during her campaign for office, "he never held my words against me, he never hesitated."

Supervisor Jane Kim said it was difficult working today but Mayor Lee would have wanted them to carry out his mission. "We will continue to serve and lead the city to honor his legacy."

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