Alberto Gutier, who worked in Arizona politics for decades, died Saturday.
Gutier served as the the director of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety for over 20 years before retiring in November 2022. Gutier worked alongside seven Arizona governors, from Bruce Babbitt to Doug Ducey.
ABC15 spoke to Gutier in October 2023 following his retirement. Hear from him in the player above.
Born in Cuba, Gutier first came to the U.S. in the late 1950s as a student attending the University of Florida. He returned to Cuba shortly, taking a job with Cubana Airlines where he later transferred to New York.
Gutier and his wife became U.S. citizens in 1966. But it was in 1964 when Gutier first heard about an Arizona senator that led him and his family to move to Phoenix.
"My wife and I went to the opening remarks of the draft Barry Goldwater Committee. I still have some of the brochures from the draft Barry Goldwater committee for President of the United States. So when I came to Arizona in 1968 I was a Goldwater guy," Gutier told ABC15 in 2023.
Gutier soon became immersed in Arizona's political scene, serving as a Republican Party committeeman for 50 years.
He was a delegate to five national conventions, a Seargeant-at-Arms for the Arizona Republican Party for 11 terms and a presidential elector for Arizona in 2016.
Former Governor Doug Ducey sent the following statement:
"Alberto was one of a kind — a devoted husband, father, proud American and a public servant who loved America and loved Arizona. Alberto lived the American Dream, and was so proud of it. Angela and I pray for Miryam and the entire family. We are grateful to have called Alberto a friend. May he rest in peace."
Deeply saddened to hear that Alberto Gutier, former Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Director (under multiple GOP governors), has passed away. Our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/HBylAgIajU
— Arizona House Democrats (@AZHouseDems) November 2, 2024
I got started working in politics for the 2002 election and have known Alberto Gutier ever since. A true friend who did a lot for Arizona. May he #RestInPeace https://t.co/DdCGSsSoZT
— T.J. Shope (@TJShope) November 2, 2024
