AUGUSTA (AP) – Michael Sockalexis, who served the Penobscot Indian Nation as its representative to the Legislature during its last session, was remembered by Maine’s governor and House speaker Monday as a valued public servant.

“I was deeply saddened to learn about Mike’s death. He and I worked together when he was the Tribal Representative to the Maine Legislature,” Baldacci said in a statement.

“He was very wise and a great asset to the state. He was able to bring people together and was someone who others wanted to work with. We need more people like him in public service. He will be missed,” the governor said.

Earlier this month, funeral services were held for state Rep. Abigail Holman, a Republican from Fayette who was killed in a skiing accident.

“It is with truly heavy hearts that we received news of the loss of another legislative colleague and friend, Rep. Michael Sockalexis, today,” House Speaker Glenn Cummings said in a statement Monday.

“Mike was a proud representative of the Penobscot Indian Nation and a tireless advocate for the people he served. As a member of the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee, he worked very hard to ensure that Maine’s seniors had access to affordable prescription drugs and more Maine people had access to quality, affordable health care,” said Cummings, D-Portland.

Sockalexis, 60, died Sunday at a Bangor hospital, the Bangor Daily News reported.

A funeral service is scheduled Wednesday at St. Ann’s Catholic Church on Indian Island.