John Van de Kamp, Former California Attorney General, Died At His Pasadena Home

LOS ANGELES - Local and state officials Wednesday mourned the death of John Van de Kamp, the former Los Angeles County district attorney and California attorney general who died Tuesday in Pasadena at age 81.

Van de Kamp died at his home after a brief illness, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Current Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey called Van de Kamp "one of the most ethical and kind-hearted people I've ever met."

"He was an admired public servant who dedicated his life to seeking justice," Lacey said, noting that Van de Kamp established one of the nation's first victim services programs during his tenure as district attorney.

"On a personal note, I am thankful for John's wisdom and gentle guidance throughout my tenure," the district attorney said. "I frequently sought his advice and looked up to him as a stalwart of the justice system. Like many, I mourn his passing, and I will miss his wisdom, his wit and his kindness."

Governor Jerry Brown, whose long career in state politics coincided with Van de Kamp's, said "John was a wonderful public servant and had a real sense of justice."

Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer said he was "deeply saddened" by the death of his friend and mentor.

"An extraordinary leader of impeccable integrity, John never backed away from taking strong, principled stands on tough issues," Feuer said. "John was supremely effective at everything he did -- always with a quiet confidence and devotion to public service that inspired generations of lawyers. My prayers are with Andrea and the Van de Kamp family at this difficult time."

"John Van de Kamp lived for the values of justice and opportunity that define the state of California," said state Attorney General Xavier Becerra. "Carolina and I extend their deepest sympathies to Andrea and family at John's passing. I will forever be grateful for the confidence he showed in me from my earliest days of public service under his leadership at the California Department of Justice. Most recently, he was there for me again offering wise counsel, as I prepared to assume my role as Attorney General of California.

John understood the higher calling of public service. He performed for the people of California like few others."

A graduate of Dartmouth College and Stanford Law School, Van de Kamp was a federal public defender before serving as the county's top prosecutor.

He was L.A. County's district attorney from 1975-1981, handling many high-profile cases including the Hillside Strangler murders.

Van de Kamp served as California's attorney general from 1983-91.

In 1990, he unsuccessfully challenged Dianne Feinstein for the Democratic nomination for governor.

Van de Kamp worked in private practice after leaving politics and remained active in environmental causes.

City News Service; Photo: Neon Tommy