(KNOX) -Former longtime state legislator and North Dakota Democratic-NPL leader Merle Boucher has died at the age of 79.
Boucher was from Rolette, North Dakota. He died in a Bismarck hospital on Thursday, June 11, according to Elick Funeral Home in Rolla, which is handling arrangements.
Boucher represented Rolette County’s District 9 in the state House for two decades, serving from 1991 to 2010, according to the Legislative Council. He also served as minority leader for seven legislative sessions.
Boucher unsuccessfully sought the Dem-NPL nomination for governor twice, in 2004 and 2008. In 2008, he became the running mate for gubernatorial candidate Tim Mathern, but the duo lost.
“Merle and I were like brothers campaigning for the governor nomination,” Mathern said. “We packed district meetings, with Merle always speaking with emotion and care for our people.”
A mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, June 19 at the Rolette Public School Gymnasium.
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