Rep. Don Young, dean of Congress & major friend to Indian Country, walks on

Alaska Natives and Indian Country knew his quirks and grew to appreciate them during his nearly 50 years in elective office.

U.S. Rep. Don Young passed away today at the age of 88. His first wife, Lula, was Alaska Native. She preceded him in death in 2009. “Lu was my everything, and I am heartbroken,” Young said at the time of her passing. “This has come as a shock to all of us. She has always been by my side and loved and supported me and I am blessed to have her as my life partner. There are no words to express my grief right now. I am a man of strong faith, and I know she is in good hands with our Lord, and will always be with me, our daughters, and our grandchildren.”   

Statement from the Office of Congressman Don Young

“It’s with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce Congressman Don Young (R-AK), 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 beloved wife Anne was by his side.

A fierce defender of Alaska since elected to Congress in 1973, nearly everything that has advanced for Alaska is a result of Don Young’s tenacious work. From the Trans-Alaska pipeline, to the Ketchikan Shipyard, to the Magnuson Stevens Act, which transformed the American fishing industry, to the numerous land exchanges he fought for, Don Young’s legacy cannot be overstated.

“Every day, I try to do something for somebody and some group,” Congressman Young once said. “And every day I try to learn something new. We all go into the ground the same way. The only thing we leave behind are our accomplishments.”

Don Young’s legacy as a fighter for the state will live on, as will his fundamental goodness and his honor. We will miss him dearly. His family, his staff, and his many friends ask Alaskans for their prayers during this difficult time.

In the coming days, we will be sharing more details about plans for a celebration of his life and his legacy.”