PHOENIX - Arizona State Senator Jake Flake died Sunday, June 8, 2008. It is not known at this time what caused his death.

Jake's nephew, Republican Congressman Jeff Flake, who represents Arizona's Sixth District, released a statement as the whole family mourns the passing of Arizona State Senator Jake Flake.

"Words cannot express the sadness we all feel at the passing of Jake Flake," said Congressman Flake. "His family has lost a loving father, his church a devoted servant, his community a loyal advocate, and Arizona a great statesman. On a personal level, I have lost a caring uncle and mentor."

Governor Napolitano released this statement, "Jake Flake was a leader of great strength and wisdom, who worked with passion on behalf of the people of Arizona. Our hearts and prayers are with his family as they mourn his loss."

Jake Flake represented Arizona's Fifth Legislative District in the Arizona State Senate. He previously served as Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives. He is survived by his wife, Mary Louise, 12 of his 13 children, and over 50 grandchildren.

The Apache County ATV Roughriders wish to express our sincerest condolences to the Flake family. Jake's family truly was his greatest legacy. We will miss him as a dear friend. Words could never express how much the State of Arizona will miss this great man.

Senator Flake attended the Arizona ATV Outlaw Trail Jamboree for the past four years. We not only appreciated his support and promotion of this event, but we truly appreciated a representative that never forgot his roots and that the fine hard-working people of rural Arizona have historically been the backbone of this great state. He was a living example of that fact.

Tribute Poem

"Were missing a friend and a
Neighbor for his riding days are o'er.
He's hung up his spurs and saddle,
Won't be using them no more.

"Jake has just rode into the sunset,
Up over the Great Divide.
Gone to help with the Master herd:
Made his last long ride.

"So we say, 'Adios, Amigo',
We whisper a fond goodbye.
Jake's gone to another roundup,
The big one up in the sky."