According to a Facebook post, Young died Friday while returning home from Alaska.
The statement stated that Congressman Don Young (R AK), the Dean and champion of Alaska, died today on his way home from Alaska. His beloved wife Anne was there for him.
Young, who was 88 years old, was the longest-serving House member, having joined Congress in 1973. For most of Alaska’s history, Young was the only member of the House of Representatives from Alaska.
Young, a Republican announced last year that it was his intention to run again for another term.
He was able to survive a COVID-19 attack that left him hospitalized in 2020.
Young is most well-known for his “Alaskan Of The Week” presentation at the end each week. It featured an Alaskan doing something notable or beneficial for the community.
Young was well-known for his humor and bluntness and was loved by both sides.
Young called Fort Yukon in Alaska, which has about 700 inhabitants, home.
His office also used one of his most famous quotes to announce his death.
Young stated that he tries to do something every day for someone or a group. “And I always try to learn something new every day. All of us go into the ground in the same way. Our accomplishments are all that we have left behind.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy called Young “a great friend” and stated that Alaska is better because of Don Young.
Dunleavy tweeted, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of this incredible man who, in many way, formed Alaska into what it is today.” He was leading the historic fight for approval of Trans-Alaska Pipeline approval just hours after he was sworn in to the U.S. House of Representatives. He was awarded the 1973 ‘Freshman Congressman Award’.
