By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org
JAFFREY – State Rep. Douglas Ley, D-Jaffrey, died overnight.
The former House Majority Leader from 2018-2020 and a professor of history at Franklin Pierce University, died at home as was his wish, according to one of his two sons, Ethan Ley, who posted on the website CaringBridge Friday afternoon.
“Dad spent his last day here at home in a peaceful state surrounded by his family. We are all comforted in knowing that we were able to respect his wishes to bring him home and give him a taste of New Glarus Spotted Cow beer before he passed away late last night.
“My dad was a good man and it brings me to tears hearing and seeing how many folks he touched and how many people care about him and our family. I miss him already. Thank you all again for the outpouring of support and love.”
Members of the Democratic State Senate and House leadership said Ley is leaving a legacy of dedication and kindness in his work to the state of New Hampshire.
In a joint statement, Senate Democratic Leader Donna Soucy and Deputy Senate Democratic Leader Cindy Rosenwald said: “We are heartbroken to hear of Representative Ley’s passing. Doug was a champion for all Granite Staters and his fierce dedication to the betterment of New Hampshire will be missed by all.
“He was a passionate leader to our House colleagues and leaves behind a legacy of fighting for working people and working families. On behalf of all the Senate Democrats, we extend our sincerest condolences to his wife Mary, his sons, and all of his loved ones.”
Ley earned a doctorate degree in philosophy, in United States history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and went on to teach at Franklin Pierce University in Rindge.
Ley was first elected to the House in 2012 and has been a member ever since.
He was most recently serving on the House Education Committee and the Legislative Administration Committee.
House Democratic Leader Renny Cushing, D-Hampton, said, “I am deeply saddened to hear of Representative Ley’s passing. Doug valiantly led our Democratic Caucus for two years with humility and strength and I am proud to have had his example of leadership. Doug has been a great friend and colleague, touching the lives of countless people in the legislature. News of his passing is just devastating. I offer my condolences to the entire Ley family.”
House Speaker Sherman Packard, R-Londonderry, said: “We send our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Rep. Douglas Ley. Rep. Ley was friend, a caring husband and father, passionate legislator, and a well-respected member of the House. He always put the best interests of New Hampshire first, and fought hard for his constituents to ensure their voices were heard in Concord. His absence will be felt by many whose lives he touched. On behalf of the New Hampshire House of Representative and General Court Staff, we will keep Representative Ley and his family in our thoughts and wish them comfort during this difficult time.”
Ley and his wife, Mary of over 30 years, had two sons.
His Twitter account indicates he was a labor activist, a Boston Bruins fan, and a New Hampshire politician.