City leaders Thursday were mourning the loss of Los Angeles Harbor Commissioner David Arian, who died Wednesday after a battle with thyroid cancer.
Arian, who was 72, was also an International Longshore and Warehouse Union leader and a prominent figure in the Los Angeles Harbor community.
“David Arian embodied what service means for his fellow human being,” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said. “From the docks to the board room, his humor, his intelligence, and his commitment to justice built the most successful port in the Americas while doing right for the workers and the community that are the lifeblood of the harbor community. Our city and our world are better places because of David Arian’s extraordinary career and because of his deep humanity. I will miss his friendship and his steady hand. He’s probably organizing workers in heaven right now.”
Arian joined the Harbor Commission in 2010 after serving decades in various leadership positions within the labor movement. During his tenure on the board, the Port of Los Angeles broke all-time cargo volume records while reducing air emissions, two goals on which Arian was particularly focused, Port of Los Angeles officials said.
“Our waterfront community has lost a friend, a fighter, a mentor, a labor leader and a legend,” said City Councilman Joe Buscaino, who represents the port area. “Dave Arian has given so much to our community and his contributions will never be forgotten. May he continue to live in our hearts and may his memory be a blessing.”
Arian is survived by his son Sean and son-in-law Councilman Mike Bonin; daughter Justine and son-in-law Ethan Edwards; and five grandchildren.
Port spokesman Phillip Sanfield said that as of Thursday afternoon, Arian’s family had not made any public announcement about funeral plans.