Rep. Don Young: Tributes pour in from colleagues and friends

Don Young always stayed true to who he was and the people of Alaska he represented. His legacy will continue in the America he loved.

Jill and I send our prayers to his wife Anne, to his daughters and the entire Young family, and to the people of Alaska.

— President Biden (@POTUS) March 19, 2022

Alaskans are devastated by this shocking and sad news and I am saddened beyond belief about the loss of my friend. We have lost a giant who we loved dearly and who held Alaska in his heart—always.

— Sen. Lisa Murkowski (@lisamurkowski) March 19, 2022

Like all Alaskans, Julie & I are saddened, shocked & devastated by the sudden passing of @RepDonYoung. His spirit—authentic, tenacious, indomitable, a man of the people—epitomized our state to such a degree that there was a sense he’d always be with us, that he’d live forever. pic.twitter.com/vBJWUzwWkt

— Sen. Dan Sullivan (@SenDanSullivan) March 19, 2022

Congressman Don Young has been a great friend and colleague of mine for many years. I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of this amazing man who, in many ways, formed Alaska into the great state it is today. pic.twitter.com/fuD2s8N3aK

— Governor Mike Dunleavy (@GovDunleavy) March 19, 2022

Today, we lost an icon, a symbol of Alaska's frontier spirit, a part of our history, and a pathfinder for all Alaskans. Don & I didn't always agree, but when it came to AK, there have been few who could match his fierce love & commitment of our state. He will be missed by us all. https://t.co/IoxosAN3sG

— Senator Tom Begich (@TomBegich) March 19, 2022

So saddened to learn of the passing of Rep Don Young. He was kind, funny and deeply committed to Alaska

We would joke how he started serving before I was born, make me sit in the “boss chair” and ask great questions

Sending much love to his dear wife Anne and his loving family pic.twitter.com/Po1zGtYKZH

— Anne Zink (@annezinkmd) March 19, 2022

Tlingit & Haida extends our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Congressman Don Young who passed away today. He was a champion for Alaska tribes in many ways, including VAWA, transportation, Alaska Native Veterans, and Southeast Alaska landless tribes. pic.twitter.com/HiG1CURdx0

— Tlingit Haida CC (@tlingithaida) March 19, 2022

Sad to hear the news of Don Young’s passing. Don was not just the Dean of the House, he was also a dear friend and a true legend of Congress. Don was a tireless fighter for Alaska who loved the outdoors, including his trips down to Louisiana to fish.

Don will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/fEVM34VdC3

— Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) March 19, 2022

The House of Representatives has lost an icon. My dad and I both served in the House with Don Young. We are praying for Anne and the whole Young family. Our full statement is below. pic.twitter.com/WwfFETVLsU

— Liz Cheney (@Liz_Cheney) March 19, 2022

I am terribly sad to hear of my dear friend Congressman Don Young’s passing. (1/5) pic.twitter.com/gr2QhCfwsf

— Secretary Deb Haaland (@SecDebHaaland) March 19, 2022

I’m deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my colleague, Rep. Don Young.

A tireless fighter for Alaska and an unparalleled public servant, he welcomed me warmly in the short time we served together.

I am sending my condolences to his family, his friends, and all Alaskans.

— Rep. Shontel Brown (@RepShontelBrown) March 19, 2022

Don Young was a tireless champion for Alaska, America and he was my friend. He will be deeply missed. Karen and I send our heartfelt sympathies and prayers to Anne, his children and the entire family in this difficult time. God Bless Don Young. pic.twitter.com/0ARYNrRWBd

— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) March 19, 2022

Sad to hear my friend and colleague Rep Don Young passed away tonight. As the House Dean, he was both loved and respected. I pray that Heavenly Father comforts his family at this time. I will miss you, my friend.

— Burgess Owens (@BurgessOwens) March 19, 2022

Deeply saddened to learn of the loss of my friend and colleague, Rep. Don Young. I’m grateful to have worked with him for years on Native housing issues and will remember him as a committed public servant who always spoke his mind. I’m sending my condolences to his family.

— Rep. Gwen Moore (@RepGwenMoore) March 19, 2022

Don Young was a lion and a man in full. It was an honor to serve with him. America mourns and prays for his family. pic.twitter.com/KLudLwEon7

— Paul Gosar (@DrPaulGosar) March 19, 2022

A kind man and a great public servant. He will be missed https://t.co/npQrH7a5ju

— Ronald Klain (@WHCOS) March 19, 2022

The first time we spoke, Don Young cheerfully informed me that I was the 17th secretary he’d dealt with at DOT.

Our politics weren’t the same, but it was always a pleasure working with him.

A true character, he shaped US infrastructure in many ways, and will be deeply missed.

— Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) March 19, 2022

Rep. Don Young was a mentor to me, a dedicated advocate for his home state & a legendary presence in the House. I have been proud to partner with him on legislation and in committees & I’ve been honored to be his friend. His guidance & knowledge will be sorely missed in Congress. https://t.co/xGSVLFFITe

— Rep. Jay Obernolte (@JayObernolte) March 19, 2022

In my first term in office, as a new member of Congress, I was invited to speak to the @atnitribes at a conference in Eastern Washington. It was daunting to learn that this freshman member was the warm-up act for the long-tenured Rep. Don Young who was also speaking at the event.

— Rep. Derek Kilmer (@RepDerekKilmer) March 19, 2022

Me uno en oración por su familia, en especial a su esposa Anne quien estuvo a su lado hasta su último adiós, a sus allegados y su pueblo en un momento tan duro.

Que en paz descanse, Rep. Don Young. pic.twitter.com/LaABFa8N8d

— Jenniffer González (@Jenniffer) March 19, 2022

The House has lost a true legend and a dear friend. Don Young was an institution himself—the definition of a devoted public servant, tough as anything, a true champion for Alaska. My condolences are with Anne, his family, & his staff as we join in mourning this loss.

— Adam Kinzinger (@RepKinzinger) March 19, 2022

Congressman Don Young was a remarkable member of the House. He was a genuine American original—a trapper, living in a house with no running water in rural Alaska, normally carrying a pistol and a knife- the last representative of the classic Americans who opened up the continent.

— Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) March 19, 2022

I am saddened to hear that my friend, Congressman Don Young passed away. As the Dean of the House of Representatives, Don was a role model to all members of Congress. For over 50 years, Don Young was the champion for Alaska in Washington.

— Rep. Andy Barr (@RepAndyBarr) March 19, 2022

Don Young was a giant, with a heart as big as the Capitol & a spirit as strong as the Alaskan wild.

His absence will leave Congress less colorful & less punctual. But his decades of service filled every room & touched every member. Anne & his children have my deepest sympathies. pic.twitter.com/0hNIybapDD

— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) March 19, 2022

Tomorrow is C-SPAN's 43rd anniversary.

Rep. Don Young was the last member in office who was there on C-SPAN's day one (March 19, 1979).

RIP. pic.twitter.com/72uELt3LfD

— CSPAN (@cspan) March 19, 2022

Remembering the time Rep. Don Young taught me how to disarm a man with only the butt of a knife. He whipped a folded buck knife out of his pocket and showed me where on the upper back I should aim. We were at a black tie Congressional dinner.

— Libby Casey (@libcasey) March 19, 2022

A thing I'll remember about Don Young, a conservative Republican, is how he went to bat to help Deb Haaland get confirmed as Biden's Interior Secretary.

He even introduced her at her confirmation hearing. https://t.co/C6D681jAFK

— Jennifer Bendery (@jbendery) March 19, 2022

Congressman Don Young was larger than life and will never be forgotten. He loved Alaska with all his heart, fought for Alaska with all his might, and served Alaska with extraordinary spirit. The Dean of the House was a living legend. Rest In Peace Don.🙏

— Lee Zeldin (@RepLeeZeldin) March 19, 2022

Loved this guy! So sad to hear about @repdonyoung’s passing tonight. I remember one time I accidentally sat in his spot in the chamber. 🤦🏻‍♀️

I also remember asking him to be the first co-sponsor of my #StatesReformAct and he was all in. His smile will be sorely missed. pic.twitter.com/qWXiaszHez

— Nancy Mace (@NancyMace) March 19, 2022

One evening back in 2019, after a full day of meetings, I sat down across from Don Young for what I thought would be a short conversation.

It was not.

Ever the teacher, Don told me story after story about his life, history he had witnessed, and the yesteryears of Congress.

— Rep. Abigail Spanberger (@RepSpanberger) March 19, 2022

From last year, prior to swearing in Speaker Pelosi, Rep. Don Young: "I do not like what I see. It's time we hold hands and talk to one another."pic.twitter.com/WfSIUPEr6Y

— CSPAN (@cspan) March 19, 2022

If you don't know what to say about Don Young, consider that never once did his office ask if you were a Dem, Rep, Independent or even registered voter when you asked them for help. Young's staff was a master class in getting the job done for Alaskans.

— Colleen Mondor (@chasingray) March 19, 2022

Don Young died. He was a legend, like it or not (I did not). I always voted against him & thought a lot of the stuff he said & did was awful, but the man was the longest serving rep in Congress & I think usually had (what he at least felt) were AK’s best interests at heart. RIP.

— One Hot Mess AK (@libbybakalar) March 19, 2022

Congressman Don Young is gone and will probably still win his reelection, because: Alaska.

— Don Rearden (@donrearden) March 19, 2022