Mayor Edwin M. Lee today issued the following statement on the passing of George Kun Wai Wong:

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my good friend George Wong who lost an 11-month battle with pancreatic cancer.  

George had a tireless commitment to public service, and during his 34-year career at the City Attorney’s Office, he represented San Francisco’s interests in some of the toughest legal conflicts our City ever faced. George held contractors accountable and protected billions in taxpayer dollars. He worked on critical seismic and  infrastructure improvement projects, including libraries, museums, courthouses, jails, schools, MUNI light rail, the San Francisco International Airport, and even San Francisco City Hall. George was one of my closest advisors in all of my positions including as Public Works Director and City Administrator. He always provided me with solid legal advice, protecting the City’s interests and advanced the City’s goals in contracting.

During the last days of his life when his health was deteriorating, he was still providing legal advice on public works projects such as the California High Speed Rail Project, the BART Extension to San Jose, and the Honolulu Rapid Transit Project. George taught and inspired generations of construction attorneys, engineers and City Hall staff, and he will be missed.

We have lost a great friend, and I offer my deepest condolences to George’s family and friends.”