A former Congressman for the North Country has died.

Congressman David O'Brien Martin died at his home in West Virginia Tuesday night under the care of hospice and his family.

Current north country Congressman Bill Owens issued a statement upon hearing the news.

"The North Country has lost a friend today with the passing of David O'Brien Martin," Owens said. "Mr. Martin served his country and his community with honor and distinction," he said. "He will be missed, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family this holiday season."

Martin, a Republican, was born in St. Lawrence County. A graduate of Notre Dame University and Albany Law School, Martin represented the north country in Congress from 1981-1993.

He was also a former member of the St. Lawrence County board of legislators and the New York state Assembly.

He stayed active in politics, endorsing then-candidate Matt Doheny for Congress in August 2010.

Funeral arrangements are being handled jointly by Island View Funeral Services of Morristown and O'Leary Funeral Home in Canton.

He was 68 years old.