Former Councilman Robert Wilkinson, 89

It can be tough to get a building permit in America if you're a Muslim; just ask the religious community who requested to have an Islamic Community Center built near Ground Zero. But here in Los Angeles, an Islamic community had an ally who helped them do the same. His name was Robert Wilkinson, and he'd spent many years doing a lot more for the San Fernando Valley.

Wilkinson died at the age of 89 on Monday, Sept. 27. He represented Council District 3 for four years after being elected for the first time to the Los Angeles City Council in 1953. After serving as Chief Executive of the Board of Harbor Commissioners for nine years, Wilkinson was re-elected to the City Council in 1967, where he served the 12th District. His representation on the council ended in 1979. A lucrative career in lobbying followed, peaking in 1990, when Wilkinson became one of City Hall's top-paid lobbyists.

In a statement from District 12 Councilman Greig Smith's office, Wilkinson is described as a great leader, a decent man and a true friend – one who will be missed and remembered by San Fernando Valley residents. "He laid the foundation for what became the San Fernando Valley, making sure roads were paved, building flood control channels," the statement read.

It's no surprise, then, that Wilkinson would later represent a project involving construction. "He was very professional, very astute," said Salam Al-Marayati, President of the Muslim Public Affairs Council, who worked with Wilkinson in the process of getting clearance for the construction of the Islamic Center Northridge, the Valley's first mosque, located in Granada Hills. At that time Wilkinson was serving as a lobbyist for Valley Muslim leaders seeking permission for the worship center.

"It was a lesson in L.A. politics," said al-Marayati, wryly. And politics is never easy. Nonetheless, Wilkinson was very straightforward, said Al-Marayati. "He understood the process. I learned a lot from him in the short time I worked with him."

Wilkinson, who lived in Northridge, is survived by his wife, Rosetta Kurmann-Wilkinson; son Robert J. Wilkinson; and daughters Noreen Hodatt and Barbara Lima. A funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9, at Lifehouse Church (formerly First Lutheran Church), located at 18355 Roscoe Blvd in Northridge.