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Mesothelioma claims the life of beloved city leader
In Rancho Palos Verdes, California, a beloved city leader has been killed by the rare cancer mesothelioma, most often caused by exposure to asbestos. John McTaggart was 79 at the time of his death. He had served Rancho Palos Verdes for two decades, acting as both a city councilman and four-time mayor.
McTaggart was diagnosed with mesothelioma in April of 2007. The cancer often claims its victims within 24 months of being diagnosed, but McTaggart's physician told him he likely had 30 months. According to his widow, McTaggart tried both chemotherapy and radiation therapy to fight the cancer, and he fought against mesothelioma "with an upbeat attitude … He lived with it and functioned very well, to the point that we became kind of complacent, like, 'He's just going to live on forever,'" said his widow Flo McTaggart. "Then, all of a sudden we got hit like this."
"I am shocked at the outpouring of love for him … The thing is, with me, you're his wife and you live the life that you live with a husband, and you know that he does all these things … But, honest to God, I had no idea the impact he had on this community," said Flo. "It's just amazing."
"He really was Mr. RPV," added former Mayor Barbara Ferraro. "He was such a fine person … He always had the best interest of the people at heart."
"John was always enthusiastic about projects and initiatives," Mayor Larry Clark said. "He was, overall, a real team player, and he had a great deal of not only love but respect for the city and for what it stood for … It's a very sad day in Rancho Palos Verdes."
McTaggart, like many mesothelioma cancer patients, experienced a prolonged life due to palliative mesothelioma treatment measures, including chemo. However, there is no cure for mesothelioma cancer.