Councilor Raymond Burton Dies

New Hampshire politician and Plymouth State University alum Raymond S. Burton died on Nov. 12 at the age of 74 after a battle with kidney cancer. 

Burton was a longtime representative of District 1 on the Executive Council. He served for three years from 1977-1979, and then returned to his seat in 1981. He had served as District 1's representative ever since. 

Born in Burlington,VT, Burton found a second home in northern New Hampshire. "For the people Ray represented, he was more than an Executive Councilor or County Commissioner - he was a member of the family," said NH Governor Maggie Hassan in a statement. 

Burton could always be found mingling with the citizens of his district. He could be found passing out combs at Old Home days or driving his antique cars in parades. Burton's passing signified the end of an era for the district known as "the North Country."

He represented the largest district in the state, being made up of 112 towns, and he never let his northern district go unnoticed in Concord. 

He was the longest tenured politician in New Hampshire history, serving 35 years on the Executive Council. He was in office long enough to work with 10 different governors. 

In 2013, Burton was recognized by Southern New Hampshire Services who named their elderly housing building in North Woodstock, NH, Councilor Ray Burton Commons. Plymouth State University also awarded Burton with the Henry W. Blair Award for Distinguished Public Service. Burton was a member of the Class of 1962. 

"Ray Burton has shaped a life around bettering a place that he has loved," said University President Sara Jayne Steen at the time. This could apply to both Plymouth State and the North Country. 

 A memorial service for Burton is scheduled for Dec. 14 at Plymouth State University. The service will be take place in the Hartman Union building at 1 p.m. 

His love for the North Country, Plymouth State, and the state as a whole will be hard to replace. District 1 will hold a special election to fill Burton's vacant seat on Mar. 11 with a primary election scheduled for Jan. 21.