Mark Lacter, the former editor of the Los Angeles Business Journal, died after suffering a stroke last week. He was 59.

Lacter was most recently a writer and editor at LA Observed, where he worked since 2006. He also wrote for Los Angeles magazine and contributed to business coverage on KPCC-FM (89.3).

He was the editor of the Business Journal from 1996 until 2000, when he left to work at Forbes for a year. He returned to the Business Journal and stayed through 2005. He previously had worked as an editor, columnist and reporter at the Los Angeles Daily News and other publications.

Lacter suffered a stroke Nov. 13, his wife, Laura Levine, told LA Observed. He could not survive bleeding on his brain, the website said.

Matt Toledo, publisher and chief executive of the Business Journal, said Lacter’s contributions to the business community were significant.

“Mark was a passionate reporter, columnist and editor,” Toledo said. “I am very proud of the contributions and leadership he provided the Business Journal. After he left the paper, he continued to be an important voice for our business community.”

– Jonathan Polakoff