Agua Caliente Tribal Council Leader Dies At 80

INDIO, CA —Larry N. Olinger, vice chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Tribal Council, died Monday, a tribal spokesperson said.

Olinger was 80 years old. He had served in his position since September 2012, tribal spokeswoman Kate Anderson said.

"Our Vice Chairman was a dedicated, caring leader who made us all better," Tribal Chairman Jeff L. Grubbe said. "As a distinguished leader of this Tribe, he always asked the tough questions to ensure every single decision we made as a governing body was for the betterment of this sovereign tribal government. Today, we hold him and his wife Susan close to our heart."

Olinger was born on Oct. 14, 1938 and grew up in Palm Springs and Orange County, Anderson said.

He was first elected to the tribal council in 1961, served as secretary/treasurer in 1969 and was chairman of the tribal council in 1970 and 1971.

He served in every tribal council position during his life, Anderson said. Olinger is survived by his wife, Susan.