State Representative Pat Takasugi Dies

The Associated Press reports that State Rep. Patrick Takasugi, a two-term state lawmaker from Wilder, has died at a Boise hospital after a three-year battle with appendix cancer. He was 62.

Takasugi, a Republican, died late Sunday night, his campaign manager Gayle Batt said. Batt served as Takasugi's replacement during the 2011 legislative session while Takasugi underwent treatment for the rare form of cancer.

Takasugi, a College of Idaho graduate who served in the U.S. Army Special Forces, was director of the Idaho Department of Agriculture for more than a decade before he was elected to the Idaho Legislature. He also farmed more than 1,500 acres near Wilder and Homedale.

Takasugi is survived by his wife, Suzanne, and three children. Batt said details about the funeral arrangements would be announced later.