John Andrist, a North Dakota State senator from Crosby for 22 years, died last week on Wednesday. He was a patriotic American who loved his Lord, loved his country, loved his State, and loved his community. John was a strong conservative who exercised his convictions with grace and facilitated dignified deliberations. While John made a mark as a public servant at many levels, it was his work as a newspaperman that leaves the most impressive legacy. His columns were sometimes provocative, always profound, but never mean. John was the president of the North Dakota Newspaper Association in 1970 and, in 1989, became the only North Dakotan ever elected president of the National Newspaper Association. John was inducted into the North Dakota Newspaper Hall of Fame in 2000 and received the national association's award for distinguished service. Distinguished service is the perfect description for John. While he is being laid to rest this weekend because his servant's heart has stopped beating, his legacy lives on in his words and his witness to decency. May we all strive to his very high standard of statesmanship. God rest your soul, John. I love you. ____________________
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