Bob Brogoitti, a local man who represented Union, Wallowa and Umatilla counties in the state Legislature for 12 years, died Sunday in La Grande.

A report this morning from Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation and Life Celebration Center said Brogoitti passed away at a local care center. He was 88.

Brogoitti was elected as the District 58 representative in 1977 and served until 1989. An Observer article in 1987 portrayed him as a representative who worked hard for his constituents.

“I run this office almost as a personal counselor or consultant to people with problems. I am the complaint department of the area,” Brogoitti told the reporter.

Brogoitti believed in less and not more governmental interference in the private lives of citizens. He was opposed to passage of Oregon’s mandatory seat belt law on the grounds that the people should be allowed to make their own decisions.

“I’m not saying that we should or should not wear seat belts,” he commented at the time. “It’s the freedom part of the thing. I don’t want to say, and I don’t think we should feel, that we’re smarter than the people at home. That’s where I come from.”

According to his son, Pat Brogoitti, Bob Brogoitti was born in Long Beach, Calif., but was raised in Helix, an agricultural community in Umatilla County. He attended Washington State University.

He moved to La Grande in 1962 and during the 1960s served on the La Grande School Board.

A lifelong rancher, Brogoitti was an adviser to the U.S. Department of Agriculture during the presidential administration of Richard M. Nixon.

Conservative in his politics, he ran for state office as a Republican. He was noted for the work he did in the area of agriculture and natural resources.

Steve Donnell, a La Grande man who stays involved in local issues and has worked for years as a lobbyist in the Legislature, recalled Brogoitti as a man who knew how to build consensus and understanding.

“He did a lot for Union County and was a good representative,” Donnell said. “He was one of those people capable of bridging the gap between east and west.”

Brogoitti is survived by his wife Marion, daughter Jeannie Burt and sons Allen and Pat.

Grandchildren Jason, Doug, Dutch and Carrie Brogoitti and Megan Browne also survive, as do great-grandchildren McKenzie Brogoitti, Gage Brogoitti and Mikanah Browne.

Funeral services are pending.