Paul Lopez, Democratic political consultant, dead in apparent suicide

Paul Lopez, a prominent Democratic political consultant, died in an apparent suicide outside a church in north-central Phoenix Tuesday afternoon.

A fourth-generation Arizonan, Lopez and his family were staples in Arizona Democratic Party circles.

"Paul was a truly amazing man with a beautiful heart, contagious smile and boundless energy. He had a quick wit and was very intelligent. He will always be remembered for his commitment to community service and social justice," the Lopez family said in a statement.

Lopez was the founder and CEO of the Endeavor Agency, a public affairs and public relations agency. He served as an adviser to four Phoenix mayors — most recently, former Mayor Greg Stanton, whose 2011 campaign Lopez co-chaired.

Stanton said there was only one word to describe Lopez: "Selfless."

"It's cliche to say he'd give you the shirt off his back but that's exactly the way Paul Lopez was," he said.

Stanton met Lopez in 1995 at a Young Democrats meeting in the Valley.

"He's that rare person that was really involved in politics but only because he wanted to use it as a vehicle to help others," Stanton said.

Over time, their professional bond turned into a personal friendship, and their families became friends as well.

"I loved the guy. I loved him, I loved his whole family. He's one of the truly good people that I've ever had a chance to interact with," Stanton said.

Lopez was also on the board of directors of the Dougherty Foundation, which supports Arizona college students with scholarships and loans.

Previously, Lopez held leadership positions in a number of philanthropic organizations, including Valley Leadership Institute, Phoenix Children's Hospital, the Herberger Theater and the YMCA.

HOW TO HELP: Know someone suffering from depression? This is how to help

Lawrence Robinson, an education advocate who also worked on Stanton's 2011 campaign, said Lopez always would call him to check in after a bad day on the campaign.

"He was just a sweet, sweet dude," Robinson said.

Robinson said Lopez played a role in countless political successes over the years, but he "never really got the headlines because he was working behind the scenes."

"He understood politics inside and out. He just got it in his gut. But at the same time he was down to earth enough to not bulls--t you," Robinson said.

What to know about suicide and depression Recent celebrity deaths have increased attention about suicide and depression. This is what you should know.

Lopez's greatest love was his family, according to the family statement.

"He was a devoted husband to his wife Hilda and their daughter Ava. He was also a beloved son and brother," the statement said.

Lopez was the son of Ronnie Lopez, a political consultant who served as executive assistant to former Gov. Bruce Babbitt and as finance chair for former U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor's campaigns.

Ronnie and Pastor grew up in Miami, a small mining town in eastern Arizona. When they both moved to Phoenix, they pursued political careers and started families — it was inevitable that their children would become friends, according to Pastor's daughter, Phoenix Councilwoman Laura Pastor.

Laura said she considered Paul more like a brother or a cousin. They "shared ups and downs," and debated political issues until they found a happy medium — because that's what family does, she said.

Pastor credited Lopez for pushing her across the finish line of her council campaign.

"If it wasn't for him truly understanding my personality ... I don't think I would have really made it through my campaign. But he was with me, by my side in my losses and my victories, and for me that was true friendship," Pastor said.

Pastor said their friendship has now continued on to a third generation with his daughter and her children.

She said Lopez's family "was his light."

"He did anything and everything he could do for his family — especially Ava," Pastor said.

Laura Franco French, a longtime friend of Lopez, said she will remember his fun and kind personality.

She recalled talking with him for hours about his family, and local politics.

“He loved his family and he was so proud to be Ronnie and Angie’s son,” she said. “I saw his love for his wife, Hilda, every time he brought her up. His true adoration was his daughter, Ava. Ava was a fixture at political events because Paul wanted her to grow up as we did, proud of our community, our Mexican-American heritage and our families … I will miss him tremendously.”

No information was yet available about funeral services.

READ MORE: