Maine leaders react to the death of Richard K. Warren

“Dick Warren was quite a guy. He was an important part of the community both in Bangor and around the state. He made sure that the Bangor Daily News maintained its connections to the community and never lost its local and regional touch. He was very involved and helped guide the growth of the Bangor Daily News into the modern era. Family newspapers are becoming scarce. It’s under the stewardship of Dick Warren and now his son, Rick, that this important community asset continues to serve the people of Maine.”

GOV. JOHN BALDACCI

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dick Warren, longtime publisher of the Bangor Daily News from 1955 until 1984. The reputation of the Bangor Daily News as one of the nation’s pre-eminent family-owned newspapers is unparalleled and has been built upon an outstanding lineage of leadership. Upon succeeding his mother-in-law, Lillis, in 1955, for nearly 30 years Dick successfully shepherded the proud trajectory of this landmark newspaper through a truly transformative era in journalism. Unquestionably, Dick was a legendary publishing icon in Bangor and throughout the state of Maine [as was the Jordan family]. Their mutual commitment to excellence in the press has been carried on and advanced tirelessly and ably by their son and our good friend, Rick Warren. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Dick’s wife, Sue; his son, Rick, and his wife, Beth, and their family at this most difficult of times.”

U.S. SEN. OLYMPIA J. SNOW AND FORMER GOV. JOHN R. MCKERNAN JR.

“Dick Warren’s passing is a tremendous loss to the entire Bangor community. Through his lifelong commitment to eastern Maine, his leadership of the Bangor Daily News for so many years, and his generous involvement in countless charitable causes, Dick has left a lasting legacy that will continue to make a positive difference in the lives of so many people. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Sue, and with Rick and Beth Warren and the rest of Dick’s family.”

U.S. SEN. SUSAN COLLINS

“Under Dick Warren’s leadership and that of his son, Rick, the Bangor Daily News has remained true to its roots in Maine and to the people who rely on it for news of their community, state and nation. Maine is fortunate to have a newspaper of the BDN’s caliber, and that is due in no small measure to Dick Warren’s dedication and commitment. Diana and I send our sympathies to the entire Warren family.”

U.S. REP. TOM ALLEN

“For those of us who grew up reading the Bangor Daily News, it is a sad day in Maine. Dick was a well-respected member of the community, and my deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.”

U.S. REP. MICHAEL MICHAUD