Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) issued a statement today in remembrance of former state Agriculture Secretary Wayne A. Cawley, Jr., who passed away Monday at the age of 84.

"The death of Wayne Cawley, Jr., represents a great loss to the agriculture community of our state," O'Malley said. "Dedicating more than ten years of loyal service to the people of Maryland, former Secretary Cawley demonstrated his love of farming not only through his career, but also with his craft as a grain farmer."

The governor said Cawley "served as an example to all public servants," saying he conducted himself "honorably and professionally."

Cawley served as agriculture secretary for former Govs. Harry Hughes (D) and William Donald Schaefer (D). The department of agriculture building in Annapolis has since been named in Cawley's honor.

"I'd like to express my sincere condolences to Secretary Cawley's family during this difficult time," O'Malley said. "We will all be comforted by the memories we have of him, and the legacy his lifetime of service has left on Maryland's farming community."

As a young man, Cawley was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division during the invasion of Normandy on D-Day in June 1944.