Former U.S. congressman Metcalf dies at 79

LANGLEY, Wash. — Former U.S. Congressman Jack Metcalf died Thursday, his family's pastor, Matt Chambers said. He was 79.

Metcalf's death was first reported by the South Whidbey Record, which was contacted by Chambers on behalf of Metcalf's family. Cause of death was not immediately available.

Chambers did not immediately return a call from The Associated Press.

Born in Marysville in 1927 to a commercial fisherman, Metcalf served in the Army in 1946 and 1947. He later joined the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department as a patrol boat skipper, then spent another 30 years as a school teacher, mostly with the Everett School District.

A Republican, he served as a state representative from 1961 through 1964, then as a state senator from 1967-1975 and from 1981-1993.

Metcalf waged three unsuccessful bids for Congress — 1968, 1974 and 1992 — before having success in 1994. He served three terms.

He was the lone member of Washington's delegation to vote against a bill authorizing permanent normal trade relations with China in 2000. He also fought the Makah Tribe's attempts to restart whaling off the Washington coast, and led long-term efforts to improve natural resource and fisheries management and environmental protection.

A strong advocate for service members, Metcalf supported investigations into the cause of illnesses faced by veterans of the Gulf War, and increased funding for military family assistance and homeless veterans' programs.

State Rep. Chris Strow, R-Clinton, spent five years as Metcalf's congressional aide, and remembered him as a compassionate man who kept his word.

"He once sold pots and pans door to door for about two days, but ended up giving away sets to needy families," Strow said.

Metcalf retired in 2001, and with his wife, Norma, built the Log Castle Bed and Breakfast on his family's homestead near the Whidbey Island town of Langley.

A life celebration for Metcalf is planned for March 31 at South Whidbey Assembly of God.