Watch CBS News

Longtime Minn. House Chief Clerk Burdick Dies

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The former chief clerk of the state House of Representatives, who spent 62 years working for the institution, has died. He was 89.

The office of the Speaker of the House confirmed that Ed Burdick died early Wednesday. Burdick retired in 2004 after 38 years as the House's chief clerk, and had begun his service with the House as a page in 1941.

The native of Vernon Center in southwest Minnesota was known for the deep, booming voice he used to call out the business of the House, and for his masterful knowledge of parliamentary procedure. A bronze bust of Burdick sits outside the House chambers.

Speaker Kurt Zellers calls Burdick "the spirit of the House of Representatives." The House will observe a moment of silence Wednesday in Burdick's honor.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.