Former North Dakota House Minority Leader Merle Boucher dead at 79

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — Fellow leaders are paying respects to former Rep. Merle Boucher.

The Democrat died last Thursday at Sanford Health in Bismarck according to Elick Funeral Home in Rolla, North Dakota.

Boucher represented District 9 in the North Dakota House from 1991 to 2011, serving as House Minority Leader from 1996 to 2011.

He was a rancher and a teacher before he changed directions to dedicate his time to public service.

Boucher also served as a Rolette County Commissioner for 10 years, Rolette County Care Center board member and president and a charter member and board member of PATH.

Sen. Tim Mathern of Fargo said, “Merle and I were like brothers campaigning for the governor nomination. We packed District meetings with Merle always speaking with emotion and care for our people. The 2008 Democratic -NPL convention erupted with unbridled shouts of joy when the rules were suspended and Merle was unanimously elected to be our lieutenant governor candidate!”

“Merle was a true servant leader. During his time in the ND legislature, Merle always spoke for the care and  protection of people, particularly the vulnerable and for the earth. He was well respected by both Parties because he always listened and treated others respectfully. He nurtured new legislators and truly loved being a Democrat,” said Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan of Fargo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 A.M. on Friday, June 19 at Rolette Public School Gymnasium.

Visitation will be held two hours prior to the funeral mass.

Burial will follow at Rolette City Cemetery.