U.S. Congressman. Born Nicholas Joseph Begich, the son of Croatian immigrants, he graduated from St. Cloud State College (1952) and received a master's degree from the University of Minnesota (1954). He was a school teacher and administrator, and from 1959 to 1968 was Principal and School Superintendent in Fort Richardson, Alaska. Begich was also an instructor at the University of Alaska and operated a business constructing and managing apartment buildings. A Democrat, he won election to the Alaska Senate in 1962, served from 1963 to 1971, and was Minority Whip from 1967 to 1971. In 1970 he ran successfully for Alaska's US House seat. He won reelection in 1972, even though he was believed to have died, and served from January 3, 1971 to December 29, 1972, when he was declared to be presumed dead. In October, 1972 Begich disappeared with Rep. Hale Boggs of Louisiana and two others on a Juneau to Anchorage flight for a Begich fundraiser. Neither the plane nor the remains of the pilot and passengers were found. Begich's family includes son Mark, who was elected to the US Senate in 2008. This marker is a cenotaph to Nick Begich.
U.S. Congressman. Born Nicholas Joseph Begich, the son of Croatian immigrants, he graduated from St. Cloud State College (1952) and received a master's degree from the University of Minnesota (1954). He was a school teacher and administrator, and from 1959 to 1968 was Principal and School Superintendent in Fort Richardson, Alaska. Begich was also an instructor at the University of Alaska and operated a business constructing and managing apartment buildings. A Democrat, he won election to the Alaska Senate in 1962, served from 1963 to 1971, and was Minority Whip from 1967 to 1971. In 1970 he ran successfully for Alaska's US House seat. He won reelection in 1972, even though he was believed to have died, and served from January 3, 1971 to December 29, 1972, when he was declared to be presumed dead. In October, 1972 Begich disappeared with Rep. Hale Boggs of Louisiana and two others on a Juneau to Anchorage flight for a Begich fundraiser. Neither the plane nor the remains of the pilot and passengers were found. Begich's family includes son Mark, who was elected to the US Senate in 2008. This marker is a cenotaph to Nick Begich.
Bio by: Bill McKern
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