Retired La Habra Official Has Cancer

Former City Manager Lee Risner, a popular public figure in La Habra who retired a year ago to take care of his ailing wife, is a cancer patient at Long Beach Memorial Hospital.

Risner, who will turn 68 Sunday, has been at the hospital since the day after Thanksgiving. Doctors told him that his cancer of the esophagus, diagnosed in July, has spread to his liver and throat.

Risner, known among city officials and residents for his quick wit and caring nature, retired in 1995 after 25 years as La Habra’s city manager. He is credited with bringing several nonprofit community organizations to the city and creating child-care and service programs for residents.

“He’s the greatest guy I ever met in my life,” said Doug Steidley, 38, Risner’s stepson. “He always cares more for everybody else than he does for himself.”

Risner said he retired last year to spend more time with his wife, former Seal Beach Councilwoman Joyce Risner, who has been suffering for years from a brain tumor.

“I thought I’d smell the flowers a little bit,” Risner said. “I’m not going to smell the flowers, but I sure discovered I have a lot of very, very good friends and a very supportive family.”