Former District 9 legislator Merle Boucher, 79, of Rolette, died Thursday, June 11, in a Bismarck, according to an obituary with Elick Funeral Home, Rolla.

Boucher represented District 9 in the North Dakota House from 1991 to 2011, serving as House Minority Leader from 1996 to 2011.

“Merle brought integrity, thoughtfulness, and a deep commitment to the people he served, said Prairie Rose Seminole, chair of the ND Democratic-NPL Native Caucus. “I will always remember his steadfast support for Native rights and issues. He understood the importance of listening, building relationships, and ensuring that tribal voices were heard in the policymaking process.”

“Representative Boucher was a passionate legislative leader who never wavered on his core belief in the good of all people,” Aaron Krauter, former assistant Senate minority leader, said.

Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan called Boucher a true servant leader. “During his time in the ND Legislature, Merle always spoke for the care and protection of people, particularly the vulnerable and for the earth. He was well respected by both parties because he always listened and treated others respectfully. He nurtured new legislators and truly loved being a Democrat.”

“Merle and I were like brothers campaigning for the governor nomination,” said Sen. Tim Mathern, D-Fargo, said. “We packed district meetings with Merle always speaking with emotion and care for our people. The 2008 Democratic -NPL convention erupted with unbridled shouts of joy when the rules were suspended and Merle was unanimously elected to be our lieutenant governor candidate.”

Boucher attended forestry college for two years in Bottineau and then graduated from Mayville State College in 1970, obtaining a Bachelor of Education degree. He was a rancher for many years and taught at Rolette High School for 20 years until 1991, according to his obituary.

Merle is survived by his wife, Susan, five children and 12 grandchildren .

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Friday, June 19, at 11 a.m. at Rolette Public School Gymnasium, Rolette.