John Melcher, Democrat who served Montana in House and Senate, dies at 93

Source: Washington Post

By News Services and Staff Reports April 13 at 3:30 PM

John Melcher, a Montana Democrat who served in both houses of Congress and was known for his support of his state’s agricultural interests and who advocated environmental preservation measures, died April 12 at his home in Missoula, Mont. He was 93.

His daughter Joan Melcher confirmed the death to the Associated Press. The cause was not disclosed.

Dr. Melcher was a veterinarian in rural eastern Montana before entering local politics in the 1950s. He entered the U.S. House of Representatives in 1969 after winning a special election to replace a congressman who resigned to become a federal judge.

He was reelected three times before winning his Senate seat in 1976, replacing Mike Mansfield (D), who had been Senate majority leader before retiring.

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Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/john-melcher-montana-democrat-in-house-and-senate-dies-at-93/2018/04/13/7cf03818-3f46-11e8-8d53-eba0ed2371cc_story.html

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Source: Associated Press

Former U.S. Sen. John Melcher of Montana dies at 93 at his home in Missoula

By MATT VOLZ Associated Press 4 hrs ago

HELENA — Former U.S. Sen. John Melcher, a Montana Democrat who narrowly lost a bid for a third term in 1988 just days after a wilderness bill he championed was vetoed, has died. He was 93.

Daughter Joan Melcher said her father died peacefully Thursday at home in Missoula in a chair overlooking Rattlesnake Creek.

She recalled that he had always applied his deliberate nature to his political career.

"He was thoughtful about his votes and the things he supported," Joan Melcher said. "He wanted to see how it would impact everybody, and not just a few people."

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Read more: http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/former-u-s-sen-john-melcher-of-montana-dies-at/article_5cd1916b-4536-54a6-bea9-e5369a75ba38.html