Mayor Edwin M. Lee today issued the following statement on the passing of William “Bill” Del Monte, the last known survivor of the San Francisco 1906 Great Earthquake and Fire:

“I am saddened by the passing of Bill Del Monte, a true friend to our City. After being forced out of his home in North Beach after the 1906 Great Earthquake and Fire as an infant, he ultimately witnessed our City’s rise from the ashes more than a century ago seeing it rebuilt better than ever. His legacy is a true reminder of how resilient our City is, and he represents the resilience of the people of San Francisco.

We have not only lost a friend, but also a piece of living San Francisco history in his death, just 11 days before his 110th birthday. I offer my condolences and heartfelt prayers to his family and friends in this time of sorrow.”

The City will dedicate this year’s 110th Anniversary of San Francisco’s 1906 Earthquake and Fire Annual Lotta’s Fountain Commemoration event on April 18th to Bill Del Monte.