Prevent Cancer Foundation remembers the Honorable Vic Fazio

(From right to left) Former Rep. Vic Fazio pictured with Prevent Cancer Foundation Founder Carolyn Aldigé and Foundation board member David Tutera at the Prevent Cancer Annual Gala in 2016.

The Prevent Cancer Foundation is deeply saddened by the loss of former Congressman Victor “Vic” Fazio, who died on March 16 of melanoma. Former Rep. Fazio served on the Foundation’s board of directors since 2015, transitioning to sustaining director in 2022. His unwavering support, kindness and belief in our vision of a world where no one dies of cancer will be remembered not only by the Foundation, but by all who knew him. 

Former Rep. Fazio served for 20 years as a member of Congress, representing districts in the Sacramento, California area from 1979 to 1999. During his tenure of distinguished public service, he was appointed to the House Appropriations committee, serving as a subcommittee chairman or ranking member for 18 years. He also served as the vice chair of the Democratic Caucus from 1989 until 1994 and was the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee for four years. 

Prior to his retirement in 2020, former Rep. Fazio worked as a senior advisor in the Washington office of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld. He also served as co-chair of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a public policy think tank and sat on the Council on American Politics. In addition to sitting on the Foundation’s board, he sat on the board of Northrop Grumman. 

The former representative was a steadfast supporter of community, civic and charitable activities. “He embodied the spirit of collegiality and appreciation for all points of view, which is essential to the smooth and productive functioning of any board of directors,” said Prevent Cancer Foundation Founder Carolyn Aldigé. “The loss of Vic’s daughter to cancer was the backdrop of his appreciation of the Foundation’s mission and his dedication to helping save lives through prevention and early detection. The Foundation was blessed to call Vic a friend; he will be missed by all.”

Prevent Cancer Foundation board member Joel Jankowsky, who also worked closely with Vic at Akin Gump, remembers him as, “one of my best friends. He was loyal, trustworthy, helpful, dependable, honest and respectful. Vic had keen insights into the workings of government and policy making. He brought all those qualities to the Foundation as an active member of the Prevent Cancer Foundation board. Vic’s pernicious illness certainly underscores the important work that the Foundation does through research, education & outreach, advocacy and global reach. We will miss him.”

We are grateful for the work former Rep. Fazio contributed to our mission and are proud to have had his dedicated support for so many years. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.