MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – Longtime Vermont Sen. Dick Sears died over the weekend. He was 81.
Sears was born on April 22, 1943, and became a resident of Bennington in 1971. Sen. Sears served in the Vermont Legislature for 32 years. During his tenure, Sears served as the Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
According to legislative leaders, Sears died surrounded by family and long-time friends.
“Dick’s legacy is all but incalculable. Recognized nationally as one of America’s “most productive” legislators, he made judicial and corrections reform his personal mission,” Sen. Phil Baruth said.
Baruth went on to say, “Much, much more will be said of Dick Sears than I can say in a short statement, but I will add that although in some ways we were unlikely friends and allies, I came to love him like a father and I will miss him like family.”
Bennington County Sen. Brian Campion also issued a statement saying, “Dick loved representing Bennington County and took great pride in that honor for the 32 years he served as State Senator. He was one of the most effective leaders in the Senate and will be sorely missed. Dick was also a dear friend and I will always remember his sense of humor, sense of justice and lifelong dedication to the service of others.”