Former Arizona Attorney General Grant Woods dies at 67

PHOENIX — The former Arizona Attorney General Grant Woods died unexpectedly at age 67 Saturday, according to his wife Marlene Galan Woods in a press release.

Woods served as the attorney general in Arizona from 1991-99 and was the first Congressional Chief of Staff for late senator John McCain.

He returned to private practice after his time in office.

He founded many social programs in the Valley including the Mesa Boys & Girls Club, the Mesa Education Foundation and the Mesa Arts Academy, one of Arizona’s first successful charter schools, according to his website.

“I am so proud of the man he was, public servant, advocate for the everyday person, lover of music and stories and sports,” Marlene Woods said in the release. “He made me a better person. I can’t even fathom our lives without him. But we are strong, and a close family and we will work hard to honor his life.”

Woods grew up in metro Phoenix and graduated from Arizona State University’s College of Law in 1979.

Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly, according to the press release.

“My deepest sympathies go out to the family and loved ones of Grant Woods. He was well-known in the Arizona community for decades, including serving as Attorney General and a chief of staff to John McCain before moving on to private practice,” Governor Doug Ducey said in a statement. “Arizona honors his life and years of public service. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Marlene and five children.”

Woods is survived by his wife and five children.

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