Former Washington State Sen. Alex Deccio, who served the 14th Legislative District, passed away Tuesday evening in a Yakima hospital. Deccio’s career of public service included two terms in the House of Representatives, a term as a Yakima County commissioner, service in the Senate between 1981 and 1989, and again from 1993 until his retirement in 2005. Deccio would have been 90 years old on Friday.

Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, who now serves the 14th District, issued this following statement in response to the news of Deccio’s passing:

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend and colleague. Alex was a man whom I greatly admired, and had helped provide me with the guidance and wisdom necessary for public service. During my time in the Legislature, I’ve tried to continue the example he set by working across party lines to accomplish common goals for the betterment of Washington.

“It is an honor to serve in the Senate chamber where Alex had so ably served for over 20 years. My heart goes out to his wife, Lucille, and all of his family. The city of Yakima and the state of Washington suffered a tremendous loss yesterday, and my wife and I will miss him dearly.”