District 26 Legislators: Remembering a colleague
Jeremy Olson
District 26 Representative
This week’s update is different. There was a lot of legislative activity for sure, but that was underscored by the sudden and tragic loss of one of our colleagues in the ND House of Representatives. This week, I said goodbye to my colleague and friend. As the House Majority Caucus Leader, it was my duty to inform the legislative body. This is what I said to the legislature:
Mr. Speaker and Members of the Assembly,
It is my sad duty to the House of Representatives that I announce the passing of one of our own, State Representative Josh Christy. Representative Christy passed away on the evening of February 18, leaving behind a legacy of service, kindness, and dedication to his community, his state, and his family.
Elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives in District 27, Josh was in his second legislative session. Throughout his time here, he exemplified what it means to be a true servant leader. Known for his quiet professionalism, Josh was a gentle giant, someone whose presence brought calm and whose intellect shone through in every discussion and decision. His approach was one of humility and service, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who asked, regardless of the issue or the challenge.
Beyond his work here at the Legislature, Josh’s dedication extended to his family. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Mary, and three daughters; twins Reagan and Abby, and little Olivia, whom he nicknamed Guacamole. These girls were the center of his life. His love for them was evident in everything he did, and his commitment to them shaped his character as a husband and father. We extend our deepest condolences to them during this incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.
In his time here, Representative Christy worked tirelessly for the people of District 27 and for all of North Dakota. He cared deeply about our state and its citizens, always striving to improve the lives of others. Josh was a man of principle, one who lived by the highest standards of integrity, and his service as a legislator will forever be remembered with respect and admiration.
In a fitting final act of generosity, Representative Christy chose to donate his organs, ensuring that other families would have a chance to hold onto their loved ones, just as his family will hold on to him in their hearts. This selfless decision embodies the very essence of who he was - a man who never stopped giving, even in the face of tragedy.
As we grieve the loss of Representative Christy, we also honor the incredible impact he had on our lives, our work, and our state. His legacy will live on through the lives he touched, both here in the Legislature and in his community. He leaves behind a void that cannot be filled, but also a powerful example of what it means to serve with grace, kindness, and dedication.
Please join me in a moment of silence to honor the memory of Representative Josh Christy, and to express our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
May we continue his work with the same quiet professionalism, intellectual curiosity, and servant leadership that he demonstrated each and every day.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
During each legislative session, we lawmakers convene for approximately four months. These periods are characterized by long working days, stress, and extensive debates. Many of us stay in the same hotels. It is common for us to meet on Sunday nights before committee meetings commence for the week, or during weekday evenings, to discuss matters, share experiences, or simply socialize. Josh and I stayed at the same hotel and spent time together during 2023 and this current session. He was more than just a colleague; he was a friend.
I was also the last person he spoke with before he lost consciousness, and I was present with his family when he was taken to the operating room to donate his organs, giving other families the gift of more time with their loved ones. To say that this experience is personal to me would be an understatement. It brought back poignant memories of losing one of my soldiers, which occurred 25 years ago last month.
Josh Christy was 43 years old. Next week, Representative Christy will be laid to rest in Fargo. I have been honored with the responsibility of serving as one of his pallbearers. In the legislature, our work is challenging and often adversarial, yet we maintain respect for one another and recognize the sacrifices each of us makes in terms of time, work, and family to serve a greater purpose. Your District 26 legislators are proud to serve you. The work is demanding, but it is profoundly worthwhile.
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