On Tuesday, Lyda Green, a former Alaska Senate president, passed away in Soldotna at the age of 85. Green served as a Republican senator for 14 years, representing a large portion of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, and led a bipartisan caucus during her two-year tenure as the Senate president from 2007 to 2008. She was known for her ability to bring Democrats and Republicans together, as well as her sense of humor.
Aside from her political career, Green spent time teaching in Anchorage and the Mat-Su and ran a tutoring Business, where she tutored the oldest son of House Speaker Cathy Tilton. She was also known for her dedication to serving her community and for generously offering advice and wisdom to new lawmakers, even after leaving office.
Born in 1938 in Livingston, Texas, Green first moved to Alaska in 1962, a year after marrying Curtis Green. Governor Mike Dunleavy reflected on Green’s friendship and service to the state, acknowledging her as a legislative leader in the creation and passage of important public policies. He also announced that a public memorial service will be scheduled at a later date, and flags will be flown at half-staff after consulting with Green’s family.
The article was authored by Eric Stone, a journalist covering state government, the Alaska Legislature, state policy, and its impact on the people of Alaska. For more information, reach out to him at estone@alaskapublic.org.
