Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Maine Democratic Party mourns loss of Rep. Deane Jones


Maine Democratic Party mourns loss of Rep. Deane Jones Freshman legislator from House Distric 83 passed away on Sunday

AUGUSTA - The Maine Democratic Party is mourning the loss of Representative Deane Jones of Mount Vernon, who passed away on Sunday following a brief battle with cancer. Maine Democratic Party Chair John Knutson said the news came as a shock to all who knew Jones as a friend and colleague.
"We all are deeply saddened by the loss of Deane and our thoughts are certainly with Pat and the rest of his family during this difficult time," Knutson said. "The people of his district have lost a truly dedicated public servant."
Rep. Jones was elected in June of this year in a special election after the sitting lawmaker in House District 83, Abigail Holman of Fayette, was killed in a skiing accident. Jones was the newest member of the Maine House of Representatives, having only had the chance to serve his district for about three months.
"Deane was very committed and enthusiastic about public service and it's unfortunate that his tenure was tragically cut short," said Arden Manning, executive director of the Maine Democratic Party. "So many of us got to know Deane while working on his legislative races and came to appreciate his passion and energy for the position he held. In the short time we had the pleasure of working with him, Deane quickly became a welcome member of our team. He will be sorely missed."
A memorial mass will take place on Friday, Sept. 7 at St. Mary's of the Assumption Catholic Church on Western Avenue in Augusta. A memorial reception will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8 at the Augusta Country Club on Western Avenue. Charitable contributions in Rep. Jones' honor may be made to the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care, P.O. Box 828, Waterville ME, 04903-0828.
Plans for a special election to fill the vacancy in the House have not been announced yet, according to the Secretary of State's office. Rep. Jones represented the towns of Belgrade, Fayette, Manchester, Mount Vernon and Vienna.

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