03/19/2022
Members of the Alaska Senate Majority mourn the passing of U.S Representative Don Young. Don was known for his absolute dedication to Alaska, his down-to-earth political acumen, and his ability to work across party lines for what was best for Alaskans.
Senate President Peter Micciche said, “We are still reeling from today’s news about the loss of our close friend, Congressman Don Young. After dedicating well over 50 years of his larger-than-life existence serving the people of Alaska, it almost seemed that Congressman Young would live forever. Instead, he will live in our hearts for as long, in spite of his mortality.
I personally sat down this evening after learning of Don’s passing in front of an old photo of the two of us, poured a toast in his honor, and reflected about an Alaskan’s Alaskan before calling my family to break the news of the loss of “Uncle Don."
Don Young was the real thing. If a polished politician is what you expected, Representative Young may not have been your man. However, the Congressman was heavily supported for twenty-five terms due to his ability to connect with who we are as Alaskans, and for his energetic fight, right until the end for Alaska and the country he loved. He said out loud what was in his heart; a rare commodity in U.S. politics these days, and I believe the primary reason for his charm and success. I am honored to have been represented by Representative Don Young for most of my life, and further honored to have been able to call him my friend.”
The Senate Majority will hold Don’s wife, Anne, his family, colleagues, and his many thousands of friends in our hearts during this difficult time. As we work to conclude this legislative session, we will remember the legacy of Representative Young’s service and his selfless dedication to Alaska.
