Norman Pico Sr., a longtime leader of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians of California, died on Friday. He was 70.

Pico spent most of his life serving his tribe. He sat on the tribal council and spent 16 years on the tribal gaming commission, including 10 years as its chairman.

"Commissioner Pico was a highly respected Pechanga elder," Tribal Chairman Mark Macarro said in a statement, The Riverside Press-Enterprise reported. "He truly had a larger-than-life persona and his passing leaves an irreplaceable void."

Pico also chaired the Pechanga Pow Wow committee and served on the boards of the Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health Inc. and the the Indian Child & Family Services.

Get the Story:
Pechanga tribal leader Norman Pico Sr. dies (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 10/13)
Pechanga gaming commissioner Pico Sr. dies (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 10/12)