Montana Says Goodbye to the King of Coal Families
"That is just the way the pickle squirts."
I imagine if Duane Ankney had a final word to share with Montanans before he gave his last breath, it would be another classic one liner that the coal miner legislator was known for.
When I heard the news that former State Rep and State Senator Duane Ankney (R-Colstrip) had passed away, I tried to think of a way to describe his passing: Montana says goodbye to the king of coal...the king of coal families to be more precise. Ankney was passionate about fighting for the coal miners and their families in Colstrip.
Congressman and former Trump Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke (R-MT01) shared this on social media:
We lost a true Montanan this weekend in the passing of Veteran Representive Duane Ankney of Colstrip. Duane was a model legislator and champion of energy independence who was known for his integrity, hard work ethic, and selfless service to others. May God hold Duane close and bless his family.
Jason Small is the head of the Montana AFL-CIO. He's also a former Republican State Senator, Northern Cheyenne Tribal member, and coal fired power plant boilermaker who served with Ankney in the Legislature. Here's what he shared on Instagram:
I’ve had some swollen eyes since I got the news earlier. Gone is a huge influence / mentor and a man I have always looked up too. Spent my whole life around him in some capacity. Duane was a family friend and a person who was always willing to help and guide. He took public service seriously and strived to help out his community and others around him. He helped me get my boilermaker career off the ground and later on lent me guidance in the political arena and was often my greatest supporter. I appreciated everything you did for the me and you will be missed. You were one hell of a man.
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Gallery Credit: Stacker