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Rep. Max Gruenberg (D-Anc) dead at 72

Skip Gray / 360 North

Praised by members from both sides of the aisle, "elder statesman" passed away Sunday in Juneau.

Longtime Representative Max Gruenberg died Sunday in Juneau. The Anchorage Democrat was 72.

Gruenberg gained bipartisan respect for his skill in crafting legislation.

“Max Gruenberg knew more about the Legislature than just about anybody," House speaker Mike Chenault (R-Nikiski) said Sunday. "We all joked and called him ‘Max the Amender,’ but it was kind of begrudgingly, too. He’d make bills better. His finger prints are probably on more Alaska law than any other legislator or governor."

“Max was an institution within the Alaska Legislature.  He loved the law and will be remembered as one of the great lawmakers in our state’s history,” said Rep. Chris Tuck (D-Anchorage). 

Gruenberg was the senior member of the House. He served during two separate periods – from 1985 to 1992 and since 2003. He was born and raised in San Francisco. He was an Eagle Scout.  And he served in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam.

A retired family lawyer, Gruenberg sponsored the law that provides Silver Alerts to locate missing, vulnerable adults.

Another Gruenberg law requires the removal of asbestos from schools and public buildings.

Gruenberg served twice as the House majority leader. He was the minority whip in the current session.

Governor Bill Walker ordered that flags by lowered for both Gruenberg and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

Walker said Gruenberg’s death is a significant loss for all of Alaska.

Anchorage Democrats will submit three potential replacements to Walker, who will choose one. House Democrats will then accept or reject the choice.

"He was a Talmudic scholar for our time, with an eye for detial, and a love of the fine point," said Sen. Berta Gardner (D-Anchorage). "He had the kindest and most gentle of hearts, and took great joy in many explorations - in books, in people, in history, and in the world of possibilities. His absence will be such a loss for all of us."

KDLG News contributed to this article.