Governor's Husand Loses Battle With Multiple Sclerosis

Bill Almone died just weeks before his wife's re-election bid

NEW DUBLIN, POG--The husband of POG Governor Donna Almone has died, a family spokesperson said Saturday.

William Cohen Almone died at the couple's farm house in central Province of Grassadellia after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). He was 62 years old.

Governor Almone was at the farm house at the time of her husband's death, but has since flown back to the governor's mansion in Lansdale, according to spokeswoman Ann Croft.

Diagnosed with MS at the age of 29, Almone's health had been declining for months, and in recent weeks, he had been staying at the couple's farm house permanently, with a full-time staff of nurses attending to him while his wife stayed on the campaign trail.

The couple had no children, but extended family members were staying with Mr. Almone during his final weeks. The governor also regularly flew back to the farm house to be with her ailing husband, Croft said.

"The past few weeks have been very difficult for Governor Almone and her family. She has tried to balance a busy campaign schedule and her responsibilities as governor with spending time with her husband. She feels exhausted and emotionally drained. The family seeks privacy during this difficult time," Croft told reporters.

Almone met his wife, then-Donna Bratson, when he was just 26 years old, working as an engineer at an airplane factory in Jacquae. Bratson also worked as an engineer there and later moved into management before entering politics. The two were married on April 7, 1974 in Perrins.

In 1976, the couple moved to the town of Jansen, southwest of Knoxbury. Donna Almone then ran for mayor of Jansen, and later the state House and Senate. In 1994, Donna Almone ran for Attorney General and won, serving two terms. She then went into the private sector until 2006, when she ran for governor and won.

During that time, Bill Almone worked a variety of jobs, mostly at engineering and architecture firms.

With just eight weeks to go before the December 4 election, Almone and her Lt. Gov. Beth Lanman-Trau are facing an increasingly difficult challenge from Nationalist candidates June Vivarte of Kingham and Jean Kane of Lansdale.

Spokeswoman Ann Croft said the governor will take several days off from the campaign trail, but did not specify exactly how many days.

Croft confirmed Lanman-Trau will likely take Almone's place at some campaign events over the coming days.

The campaign of June Vivarte and Jean Kane released a written statement Saturday, calling Bill Almone "a shining emblem of citizenship" and a "true example of what it means to be a Province of Grassadellian."

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the governor and her family. This comes at a difficult time and we sincerely wish the governor well during this tough time," the statement read.