Former mayor Meredith Perkins has died (updated)

Updated with comments from Mayor Claudia M. Frometa.

DOWNEY — Meredith Perkins, a former two-time mayor of Downey, died today after battling recent health struggles.

Perkins served on the City Council from 1998 to 2006, representing District 1.

He was a fierce advocate of Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center and helped oversee renovation of the Rio Hondo Event Center.

He was also instrumental in bringing a skate park to Downey, which was named in his honor.

In a 2011 interview, Perkins said the skate park was important to him because “it's a place for young people to get together and enjoy the outdoors. The skate park is a great place to congregate and exchange ideas. I think it's a great outlet."

Perkins was 84.

“We are saddened to have lost another great Downey servant,” Mayor Claudia M. Frometa said Tuesday. “Former Mayor Meredith Perkins was dearly loved and admired for his dedication to our city and his fierce advocacy for all that is good and honorable. His legacy of service to our city will always be remembered.

“He advocated for Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center because he believed in giving people the medical treatment they deserved. Meredith loved all things Downey and was present everywhere he could up until his health would not allow him. I was fortunate to have known him and our city is better because of his service and leadership. May He Rest In Peace.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the Perkins family during their time of loss. He will be sorely missed.”

Mario Guerra, Meredith Perkins and Claudia M. Frometa in 2018.