Former state Rep. Rene Dugas Sr., a Democrat from Norwich, died in December 2009 at age 100. He served in the House of Representatives from 1947-1949 and 1957-1959.
Wednesday, the House remembered Dugas and his committment to public service with a moment of silence and some kind words.
He was described as a “true renaissance man” and a legend.
Public service is only a part of Dugas’ legacy.
He was a local photographer, who used his photography skills during World War II. He worked at the Underwater Sound Lab and received a citation from the U.S. Division of War Research.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Ponemah Council 34 in Taftville, and he wrote two books: “The French-Canadians in New England” and “Taftville, CT and the Industrial Revolution.”
Just last year, Dugas was the grand marshal in Norwich’s 350th anniversary parade.
A copy of Wednesday’s joint House resolution expressing sympathy for Dugas’ death will be given to his family.