CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) — West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin today issued the following statement on behalf of the West Virginia Democratic Party expressing profound condolences on the passing of former House of Delegates Member Don Perdue:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Delegate Don Perdue, a man whose life and career were defined by integrity, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to the people of West Virginia. Don served the people of Wayne County and all West Virginians in the House of Delegates from 1999 until 2016, where he distinguished himself as a dedicated public servant and as Chair of the House Health Committee.
A lifelong pharmacist, Don understood the challenges faced by West Virginians trying to access affordable, quality health care. He was a tireless advocate for policies that put people first — ensuring that no family would have to choose between medicine and putting food on the table. His expertise, empathy, and fierce dedication made him one of the most respected voices in the legislature.”
Pushkin continued, “When Don retired from the legislature in 2016, he reminded his colleagues of the true meaning of public service in his final floor speech. He said, ‘There are ghosts in this house, they occupy the walls, they walk in the halls, they are a part of each and every one of us. We have lost people who have been here with all of us, and these ghosts, when we come here, remind us of what our job is. Our job is to speak for those who don’t speak. Our job is to take care of West Virginia and to protect it.’
Those words embody who Don Perdue was — a man who loved West Virginia and its people intensely, who gave everything he had to serve them, and whose legacy will continue to echo in the halls of our State Capitol.”
Pushkin added, “We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, his friends, and the many people whose lives he touched. We are profoundly grateful for his good humor, his dedication, and his decades of service to the people of West Virginia.”
