Rep. Don Young, who went from being a tugboat captain to the dean of the House, has died at the age of 88, his office confirmed Friday.
“It’s with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce Congressman Don Young, the Dean of the House and revered champion for Alaska, passed away today while traveling home to Alaska to be with the state and people that he loved,” his office said in a statement. “His beloved wife Anne was by his side.”
Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt, who served in the House with Young, was quick to issue a statement about his passing. “Some of my favorite stories as Republican Whip in the House are about Don Young. Nobody represented their state better or with more determination than Don Young represented Alaska,” Blunt said.
