Hank Adams, the first Republican to hold a countywide office in Lake County in more than 50 years, died Sunday.
Adams, 77, had been battling cancer for more than a year. He resigned from his elected post as Lake County assessor less than a week ago.
Adams had undergone chemotherapy and returned to work earlier this year. His wife, Jean Shepherd, said Adams wanted to work until he absolutely couldn't work anymore.
His health started to deteriorate about two weeks ago when he had a relapse, she said. He spent his last days at his Schererville home.
"He went quietly and peacefully," she said. "I'm happy that he could go that way and that he wasn't in pain anymore."
Lake County Republican Party Chairman Dan Dernulc, who also serves on the Lake County Council, said he lost a friend in Adams, and the GOP lost an effective leader in the realm of county property assessments and taxes.
"He was a ray of light for our party and for the county, and we will continue to keep carrying his torch," Dernulc said.
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