Bob Santos, legendary civil rights activist in Seattle, dies at 82

SEATTLE -- Bob Santos, a civil rights activist who worked often in Seattle's International District, died Saturday at the age of 82.

According to the Seattle Times, Santos, known by many as "Uncle Bob", had been hospitalized in recent weeks. The cause of his death was not immediately known.

Santos was one of the last surviving members of the "Gang of Four," an activist group in the Seattle region that worked to advance civil rights. He often served as a liaison between communities and branches of local government.

Local leaders such as Gov. Jay Inslee and King County Executive Dow Constantine released statements on Santos' death Sunday. Mayor Ed Murray called him one of the city's great community leaders.

"He was everyone's 'uncle' because of his universal and unwavering friendship, and he was a hero to many marginalized Seattleites who he tirelessly advocated for. I have been fortunate to have worked with him on many of these issues for over two decades."

A memorial service for Santos is being planned.