Politics & Government

Longtime Executive Councilor Ray Burton Dies

The 74 year old had been suffering from kidney cancer.

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 andrecently 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, who represents District 2 in Concord and Portsmouth, 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. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen called Burton "a great friend.

"I’m so sad about Ray’s passing. He was a great friend to me and to everyone in the North Country," she said. "Ray was an incredible advocate for the people of northern New Hampshire and his commitment to them will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with Ray’s family and 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."

U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter said she was "deeply saddened" by Burton's passing:

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"He was a dedicated public servant and an effective voice for the North Country," she said. "My thoughts and prayers are with his family, his friends, and the people he loved and served so well for so long."

New Hampshire Republican Party Chairman Jennifer Horn had this to say:

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"Executive Councilor Ray Burton was a true public servant, a bipartisan leader and a tireless champion for the North Country. Ray's dedication to his job was legendary and it earned him the unwavering support and admiration of his constituents. For nearly forty years, he set the gold standard for public service in our state, and inspired generations of Granite Staters to give back to their communities and help others.

"I am personally saddened by this loss. Ray was a good man, a steady mentor and an example of humility in service for all of us. I will never forget the lessons learned from him and the friendship we shared. 

"New Hampshire has lost a legend who can never be replaced. Our state is a better place as a result of Ray's service and accomplishments, and his memory will live on for years to come. My thoughts and prayers are with Ray's family during this difficult time."

New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley released the following statement:

"I met Ray Burton during his first term on the council 36 years ago," he said. "I had the honor of getting to know him and working with him on many important issues. Throughout his long career serving District One his steadfast commitment, untiring dedication, and infectious enthusiasm for his job was on proud display each and every day. Every person in his district was treated with the utmost respect by Councilor Burton no matter their differences. His decades of service will remain a model for both young and old in New Hampshire looking to make a difference through public service. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones, and constituents in Council District One."

House Republican Leader Gene Chandler issued a statement as well:

"The passing of Councilor Ray Burton is a tremendous loss to the people of the North Country and to the entire Granite State, which he deeply loved," Chandler said. "Having worked with Ray for many years, I know first hand his unwavering dedication to the people of his district and New Hampshire, which are better places because of his service. Ray exemplified what a politician should be and truly put the people he represented above politics. A hole has been left in the North Country that can never truly be filled. Ray is one who is simply irreplaceable, and he will be profoundly missed by all."

Former District 2 Executive Councilor and Concord City Councilor Dan St. Hilaire also noted the work Burton had perform for others: 

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Ray Burton. He was a kind soul who found joy in helping others. Ray devoted his life's work to serving his constituents to a standard no one could match and the North Country was made better for it.  My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family."

Republican leaders in the state Senate have offered the following statements: 

Senate President Chuck Morse: “The passing of Councilor Burton is a tremendous loss for the State of New Hampshire.  As a public servant, educator, volunteer and friend, Ray was a larger-than-life figure whose contributions to our state could never be truly quantified.

"He will always be remembered as a tireless and effective fighter for the people, places, and way of life that defined his beloved North Country.  He recognized that serving his constituents was about more than garnering votes, it was about doing what he could to improve the lives of those who trusted him to serve.  We take comfort in knowing his spirit will live on through those he helped, mentored, and inspired throughout his distinguished career.

"Susan and I extend our prayers to Ray’s family and close friends at this difficult time and thank them for sharing him with us for so many years.”

Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley: “Councilor Burton epitomized public service in New Hampshire and his passing is a great loss to the state he served so well for so long. During a lifetime of service, Ray fought relentlessly in support of the best interests of those he represented.  He never allowed policymakers to lose site of the great people and unique places that make up the state’s North Country, and he worked every day to ensure their successes, and their challenges, were well understood. As a mentor and a teacher, Ray sought to open the doors of government to anyone who wanted to join its ranks.  Because of him, generations of leaders will continue to improve our state with the zeal for service that Councilor Burton displayed over his lifetime.”

Speaker Terie Norelli issued the following statement Burton's passing:

“As the longest serving Executive Councilor, Ray Burton touched the lives of our members and so many of the men and women across our state. He was a dedicated public servant and a passionate advocate for his constituents and the state. His legacy lives on in the actions of current and future public servants that he inspired, empowered and educated. On behalf of the House, I would like to convey our deepest sympathies to Councilor Burton’s family, friends and constituents.”


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