The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

State News

June 9, 2011

Wood County delegate Larry Border dies at 60

Associated Press

PARKERSBURG — West Virginia Delegate Larry Border, who served in the Legislature for 20 years and was known for always helping others, died Wednesday after suffering a stroke. He was 60.

Border, a Republican, was the minority chair of the Health and Human Resources Committee and served on the agriculture, finance and rules committees. The pharmacist was first elected in 1990 and represented the 9th District, which covers Wirt County and portions of Wood County.

“He was always willing to help others. He sometimes bought prescriptions for people that couldn’t afford them,” said his daughter, Heather Mullens, who confirmed his death to The Associated Press.

She said her father would listen to both sides of the story before making any judgment. Born in in Parkersburg, Border attended the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy.

His colleagues were shocked and saddened by his death. For much of the past 10 years, Border was a mentor to GOP freshmen in the House, and garnered the nickname “den mother.”

“I know he wanted the new members to feel comfortable and to value this experience,” House Majority Leader Brent Boggs said.

Border’s counterpart among House Democrats, House Majority Whip Mike Caputo, said Border also made a point of taking a college intern under his wing during the session.

“He already had a lot on his plate, but Larry took the time to make those interns feel at home and nurture their interest in public service,” Caputo said. “That says so much about his character.”

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