Longtime Executive Councilor Ray Burton Dies

Longtime Executive Councilor Ray Burton died early Tuesday morning, according to the Associated Press.

Burton, who represented the North County for more than 30 years, was 74. He died around 2 a.m. at his home in Bath. He had been suffering from kidney cancer and recently announced he wouldn't seek re-election.

Upon hearing the news of Burton's passing, Gov. Maggie Hassan directed flags to be flown at half-staff in his honor. In a statement, she noted that Burton was a dedicated servant, and despite health issues, would continue to attend meetings and perform his duties. 

"Today we have lost one of the most dedicated, caring and unwavering public servants that the State of New Hampshire has ever known," Hassan said. "For nearly 40 years, Ray Burton stood up and fought for the people and communities of the North Country with a passion that can never be matched. For the people Ray represented, he was more than an Executive Councilor or County Commissioner - he was a member of the family. If a challenge or problem ever arose, you could call Ray Burton and he would do everything in his power to help. If a business, a student, a community leader was being honored, Ray Burton would be the first to applaud. If there was a parade, a pot luck dinner, a public meeting, you knew that Ray Burton would be there."

Executive Councilor Colin Van Ostern, agreed. 

"Councilor Burton devoted his life to serving the people of our state, and it is an extraordinary and humbling legacy," he said in a statement. "Our great state and our beautiful North Country are stronger from his work and devotion, and he has left a model of service that will live on in the State House he served in for decades."

U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte also issued a statement:

"This is a sad day for New Hampshire," she said. "Councilor Burton’s passing marks the loss of a great New Hampshire statesman and a tireless champion for the North Country.

"Ray saw public service as a calling and a true joy. He was a constant presence in the communities of his district, always eager to make a difference in the lives of his constituents.

"At the Statehouse, Ray was an extraordinarily respected voice. He was always well-versed on the issues, knew the ins and outs of state government, and took every opportunity to stand up for the people of northern New Hampshire.

"Ray’s commitment to improving the lives of his constituents truly raised the bar for public service in our state. Always quick to share wit and wisdom, he served with tremendous enthusiasm, remarkable diligence, and a deep and abiding love for the people of the North Country. Ray touched so many lives and he will be deeply missed.

"I join citizens across New Hampshire in mourning Ray’s passing, and I extend my prayers and deepest sympathy to his family and many friends."

U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster had this to say about Burton:

"With the passing of Ray Burton, New Hampshire has lost one of its finest public servants, kindest souls, and most steadfast leaders," Kuster said. "For nearly four decades, Ray served his community and state with unmatched dedication, always putting the needs of those he served above all else. His compassion and commitment to the North Country and New Hampshire set a standard for service that will inspire generations to come.

"There is no replacing Ray Burton, but Ray's memory will live on in the enormous good he did, in the countless lives he touched, and in the spirit of service he embodied. My thoughts and prayers, and those of so many across New Hampshire, are with Ray’s family, and with all those who were lucky enough to know him."