Havre Daily News: Tributes pour in for former Rep. Ray Peck
Ray Peck, an educator, former Havre area state lawmaker and Democratic activist, died at 84 in Helena on Friday.
Peck represented the Hi-Line in the Montana House of Representatives from 1982 to 1998. He served in a variety of positions for the state Democratic party after term limits forced him from office.
Tributes poured in from throughout the Hi-Line and around Montana for the strong-willed lawmaker. Many said Peck was responsible for them entering political life.
U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., said Peck talked him into running for the Montana Senate in 1998.
“Sharla and I are saddened to learn of the passing of our long-time close friend Ray Peck,” Tester said.
He said Peck “set the standard for public servants in Montana through his passionate commitment to future generations and veterans.”
Funeral arrangements are pending. They will be posted on havredailynews.com when they are final.
“Ray served eight terms and he was often unopposed because people realized his commitment to the people in his district,” said Hill County Democratic Chair John Musgrove.
