TRESCOTT TOWNSHIP – A local man and longtime Surry resident passed away Sunday after devoting much of his adult life to Democratic causes.

Don Furth was 82 years old.

Furth, along with his wife, Sue Furth, was actively involved with the Hancock County Democratic Committee for more than two decades. He also donated his time and efforts to other groups such as the Orland-based community radio station WERU, Maine Civil Liberties Union and Blue Hill Memorial Hospital.

Gov. John Baldacci issued a statement Tuesday saying he was “saddened” to hear of Furth’s death. He indicated he had just seen Furth on Saturday at an annual Democratic Party awards ceremony in Dedham.

“Both Don and Sue were very dedicated volunteers who were involved in many different ways throughout the community where they lived,” Baldacci said in the release. “Don was a terrific individual and will be sorely missed.”

The governor spoke with the Furth family on Tuesday to express his condolences, the statement indicated.

The Furths moved to Trescott in Washington County recently from Surry to be closer to their son Alan Furth. Besides his wife and son, Furth is survived by another son, Paul Furth, and a daughter, Jane Furth.