Late Rep. Chuck Cuddy honored on House floor
Former lawmaker who died in January 2021 recognized by Rep. Lori McCann
BOISE — The Idaho House of Representatives on Monday honored former lawmaker Charles “Chuck” Cuddy as part of an annual memorial recognizing former legislators who died.
Cuddy died in January 2021 at age 81 of COVID-19, according to a Facebook post from his son.
Rep. Lori McCann, R-Lewiston, spoke on the floor Monday morning about Cuddy, a Democrat who served seven terms, representing Orofino and Clearwater County and a mix of surrounding counties.
Cuddy was born Sept. 23, 1939, the youngest of five children, and grew up on his family’s homesteaded farm outside of Southwick, McCann said. He was a trophy rifle shooter and an avid hunter and fisherman, she said.
He worked in the engineering department for the Idaho Transportation Department, on projects such as the White Bird Grade. Later, he became a licensed surveyor and ran a surveying company in Orofino.
He was first appointed to serve in 1991, following the death of Orofino Rep. Paul Decelle.
“During his time in the Legislature, he was known to others as a legislator who would work across the aisle. He would bridge the gaps between the parties, some said,” McCann said.
Cuddy has been described as a conservative, “lunch bucket” Democrat, who focused on families, jobs and natural resources.
She quoted some of those who served with Cuddy, including current House Speaker Mike Moyle, who described him as a “good man” and Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke, who called him a “level-headed” legislator.
To close, McCann thanked his family members who were in attendance in the gallery for sharing Cuddy with the state of Idaho.
McCann said, “We are all better because of the good work that came from Rep. Chuck Cuddy.”
Guido covers Idaho politics for the Lewiston Tribune, Moscow-Pullman Daily News and Idaho Press of Nampa. She may be contacted at lguido@idahopress.com and can be found on Twitter @EyeOnBoiseGuido.
