March 19, 2015

Manchin Statement on the Passing of Former Agriculture Commissioner Gus Douglass

Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today issued the following statement on the passing of former Agriculture Commissioner Gus Douglass.

“Gayle and I are sorry to learn of the passing of our dear friend Commissioner Gus Douglass,” Senator Manchin said. “I always enjoyed working with Gus. He was enthusiastic about his job. Each year at the West Virginia State Fair, Gus and I would eagerly walk the fairgrounds, stopping to admire the very best of West Virginia. Whether it was award-winning pies, the spirited animals or the beautiful, talented quilts, Gus and I enjoyed our time catching up and visiting with fellow West Virginians. As the longest serving Commissioner of Agriculture in West Virginia and in our country, Gus will always be remembered for his true understanding and appreciation of farming and 4-H and how he encouraged West Virginia youth to get involve with agriculture. While we will dearly miss Gus, we take some solace in knowing that he is now reunited with his devoted wife, Anna Lee. Our hearts and prayers are with the entire Douglass family as they go through this very difficult time.”

###