MANCHESTER, NH – News was circulating through political circles on Monday that former city alderman and longtime NH State Rep. Steve Vaillancourt, R-Manchester, had died. He was 65.
“We’re all very saddened by the news, he was a longtime legislator and I’m sure he’ll be greatly missed,” said NH GOP chairwoman Jeanie Forrester of the news, which was unexpected.
⇒Obituary for John Steven Vaillancourt
Vaillancourt was serving his 10th term in the House, representing Hillsborough County District 15, Manchester’s Ward 8. NHPR’s Paige Sutherland reports that Vaillancourt was found dead Monday morning in his apartment, and had reportedly been suffering from a heart ailment.
Mayor Ted Gatsas released the following statement Monday on Vaillancourt’s passing, touching on Vaillancourt’s passion for the issues:
“Today Manchester mourns the loss of former Ward 8 Alderman and current State Representative Steve Vaillancourt. Steve loved Manchester and he was always proud to call the Queen City his home. He will be remembered for his tenacity and his ability to convincingly articulate his position on the issues he was passionate about. It was an honor to work with Steve Vaillancourt and call him my friend – he will be missed,” Gatsas said.
Samantha Piatt, the mayor’s Chief of Staff, also recalled Vaillancourt’s passion, and his unique qualities.
“Steve was a wonderful person with a quick wit and a great sense of humor. He was fierce in his conviction on the issues he felt strongly for and never wavered,” Piatt said. “‘Representative Vaillancourt’ was never content to just throw in the towel when it came to a cause he believed in; for many legislative sessions he fought to end greyhound racing in New Hampshire and did not give up until he was successful and the animals were safe. I think he would appreciate us all remembering him for his devotion to this cause in particular,” she said.
“Steve had a passion for history and was always reading something to expand his knowledge. He knew a lot about a lot of things, but he would tell you he didn’t know enough. He was unique, and those that took the time to befriend him would appreciate this quality about him, and understand that’s what made him Steve,” Piatt said.
House Speaker Shawn Jasper, R-Hudson, said in a statement Monday, “We will remember Steve as an outstanding orator and a man who was certainly dedicated to his principles. Rep. Vaillancourt was a valuable member of the House Finance committee where he served as a strong advocate for the taxpayers of our state. Today’s news comes as a shock to us all. Our thoughts and prayers go out to is brother, Norman.”
Vaillancourt was no stranger to controversy over his more than 20 years in public service. – from being accused in 2012 of giving a sarcastic verbal Nazi salute to then Speaker of the House Bill O’Brien, getting him tossed out of the chamber, to body-shaming Congresswoman Annie Kuster, Vaillancourt was as contentious as he was colorful. Although Vaillancourt was considered a fiscal conservative on most issues, he leaned liberal on social issues, as a strong advocate for gay marriage and the legalization of medical marijuana.
He began his career in 1994 running as a Democrat, and eventually switched to the Libertarian Party in 2000 before aligning with the Republican party in 2006.
During his time as a Manchester Democrat Vaillancourt shared his representative duties with current NH Democrat Party Chair Ray Buckley, who over the years had well-publicized run-ins with Vaillancourt. However, on Monday, Buckley offered a conciliatory Tweet, which read: “Condolences to Steve Vaillancourt’s brother & family on his passing today. I’m confident Steve is w/his mom who he loved dearly.”
