SACRAMENTO, CA – Longtime Chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Richard Milanovich passed away yesterday, after battling cancer for many years. Milanovich is revered in many communities as an influential leader and motivator, and will be remembered for his impact and tireless work on tribal affairs.“Our deepest condolences and heartfelt thoughts go out to the family of Chairman Milanovich,” said CRP Chairman Tom Del Beccaro. “Richard was a very selfless and compassionate man, who worked non-stop to inspire a new generation of leaders; he will be deeply missed.”
State Senator Bill Emmerson, who represented Milanovich in California’s 37th Senate District added, “Richard was a true visionary who enabled the Aqua Caliente tribe to attain self-sufficiency through education, housing and healthcare programs while still retaining the tribe's rich cultural heritage. He was a true gentleman.”
Milanovich served in the Army during the Cold War, where he was stationed in Germany and assigned to long-range reconnaissance patrol. He became a member of the Agua Caliente Tribal Council in 1978 and was elected as chairman in 1984.
"The passing of Richard Milanovich is a great loss to Agua Caliente and to our community. Chairman Milanovich will be remembered as one of the most influential leaders in California history,” said Assemblyman Brian Nestande, who represented Milanovich in California’s 64th Assembly District.
Milanovich is survived by his wife, Melissa, and six children: Scott, Reid, Trista, Sean, Travis and Tammy.
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