Mike Whalley Memorial Bench
On Thursday April 21, family, friends and colleagues of Mike Whalley gathered in the NH House Chamber to honor his memory and dedicate a newly hand crafted bench in the House chamber in his honor. Below you’ll find a brief history of Mike’s service and character. Also included below are select videos of speakers at the event.
“Over the years, this place has become my second family
…..because friendship goes beyond party lines.”—Mike Whalley
Mike Whalley served for nearly eight terms as a New Hampshire State Representative, five terms representing the citizens of Bow and Dunbarton, and the last three terms representing Alton, Barnstead, Belmont and Gilford.
He was an extremely articulate legislator who carried himself with dignity, cared deeply for the House of Representatives as an institution and was passionate with regard to the causes he espoused and the principles for which he stood. He was highly respected by his colleagues for his expertise in many areas of legislative policy and process, having served four terms, including one as Vice-Chairman, on the Committee on Resources, Recreation and Development, four terms on the Rules Committee, two as Vice-Chairman, two terms on the Committee on Election Law, one as Chairman, and one term on the Committee on Legislative Administration.
Mike was also highly regarded among his peers for his leadership skills. He held positions of trust and leadership as Majority Whip, and two terms as Deputy Speaker. At the time of his passing, he was serving as the House Republican Leader.
The project to craft a bench in memory of Mike Whalley was spearheaded by Rep. Janet Allen, a friend and colleague who served with him in the House. Jon Siegal, a craftsman who has been turning wood for nearly 50 years, was commissioned to build the bench. The project was made possible through private donations and, with the approval of the Joint Historical Committee, will reside permanently in Representatives Hall under the portrait of President Franklin Pierce.
Speaker Bill O'Brien
Majority Leader D.J. Bettencourt
Governor John Lynch
Whalley Memorial Bench Unveiling