After spending decades in local politics, former Gilroy Mayor and Santa Clara County Supervisor Don Gage is being remembered as a straight-talking public servant with a bipartisan streak and a deep love for south Santa Clara County.

Gage died from complications from a fall Tuesday morning at age 79.

“He was sort of at the forefront of a lot of the contributions that folks in the county enjoy,” said Jeannie Gage, Don Gage’s wife of 42 years, recalling his 80-hour work weeks and constant phone calls. “He just busted his rear end … He loved every minute of it.”

Donald Frederick Gage was born and raised in Gilroy, the son of an Italian immigrant and a father killed in World War II. He stayed in the South Bay for his studies, going first to San Jose State University before graduating from Gavilan College, then working for 25 years at IBM. He is best known, however, for his 34 years in local politics, during which he never lost an election.

Starting in 1981, Gage served on Gilroy City Council, twice as Gilroy’s mayor, as a Santa Clara County Supervisor, as a member of the Valley Transportation Authority Board, and on the Santa Clara County Water District. His second stint as mayor of Gilroy ended in 2015, when he announced his resignation at a city council meeting in the middle of his term.

Dave Cortese, a friend of Gage who served with him on the VTA board and the Board of Supervisors, described him as a dedicated public servant able to “cut to the chase” to finish debates and make difficult negotiations. “He brought some efficiency to things, always,” said Cortese. “It’s an art form for an elected official to not only have good, organized, clear thoughts but to be a leader who can use that clear thinking to conclude a debate.”

Although Gage was a registered Republican throughout his career, his chief of staff was a Democrat and Cortese, also a Democrat, recalls him as a bipartisan who was “objective and fair and effective.”

“I wish there were more people who could do that, especially with the polarization in Washington,” said Cortese.

Gage was remembered as a staunch proponent of South Santa Clara County. Among his accomplishments were leading efforts to widen Highway 101, helming the housing trust fund to help address the housing crisis, and pushing for open space preservation — including opening Coyote Lake — Harvey Bear Ranch County Park to the public.

“Don Gage went all the way when it came to advocating for Gilroy,” said former Gilroy Mayor Marie Blankley, who called Gage a personal friend who was central to mentoring her and forming her time in politics. “Don will forever be remembered as one of Gilroy’s greatest human beings.”

Gage’s commitment to Gilroy, however, “went beyond politics,” according to Gilroy Mayor Greg Bozzo. He recalled Gage’s outsized influence on the city and said it was “hard not to know (him) growing up in Gilroy.” Gage ran a hunter safety course for hundreds of youth throughout South County and served for years on the Board at the famed Garlic Festival — where he could be seen “walking around, happily, with a huge cigar,” according to Bozzo.

“He never tried to put on airs. … He didn’t need it, because once he opened his mouth people could see he was solid and informed,” said Jeannie Gage. “People were attracted to Don’s authenticity. Don was just himself, always himself.”

In addition to his wife, Gage is survived by his daughters Lori Moffitt and Therese Bonesio-Ashley, his brothers Moe McHenry and Brian McHenry, and his three grandchildren.