Sangster, Huntington Beach Deputy City Attorney, Dies

Robert Sangster, the city’s senior deputy city attorney, died early Friday morning at his home in Newport Beach after a six-year battle with cancer. He was 54.

In his 17 years with the city attorney’s office here, he handled many major cases, including a federal suit in 1993 that drew national media attention. That suit, brought by a Seal Beach lawyer charging Huntington Beach with violating anti-racketeering law by allegedly operating “speed traps,” would have cost the city $60 million if it had lost.

“Bob was an excellent trial and appellant lawyer, a very professional counselor for the city of Huntington Beach,” said City Atty. Gail C. Hutton. “In the cacophony of a tense situation, he could always calmly analyze and solve the problem at hand.”

A devoted scholar and fan of classical music, Sangster took part in several musical organizations. He also wrote columns and music reviews for local publications.

Before joining the city staff here in 1978, Sangster worked for the Santa Ana city attorney’s office for six years. He was a graduate of USC and Pepperdine University Law School.

Survivors include his wife, Kathy, and two daughters, Susan and Julie, all of Newport Beach.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. today at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 1441 W. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations to the Corona del Mar Baroque Music Festival, Box 838, Corona del Mar, CA 92625.