COLEBROOK — Joel N. Gordes, a former Democratic state representative who lived in Colebrook, died June 16. He was 78.

Gordes, a passionate environmentalist, was “one of the nicest people I've ever met,” according to David McCluskey of West Hartford, his former campaign manager.

“He was too nice to be an elected official,” McCluskey said of Gordes.

Gordes spent many years in politics, including two terms as a state representative from the 62nd Congressional District. From 1987 to 1991, he served as vice chairman of the Energy and Public Utilities Committee, where he passed many bills in favor of clean energy, according to his family. The 62nd Congressional District, represented by Republican State Representative Mark Anderson, now includes Barkhamsted, Granby, Hartland and New Hartford.

In the late 1980s, the state's House of Representatives focused on the environment, McCluskey said, and Gordes was a tireless advocate for that cause.

“He was involved in solar energy and energy conservation, was an energy grid consultant and built a passive solar home in Colebrook, where he lived,” McCluskey said. “I learned a lot from Joel. He was so hardworking and conscientious.”

“And he was passionate, but not self-aggrandizing,” McCluskey said. “He just did his job. That was important to Joel.”

Gordes was born on May 7, 1946 in New Britain and graduated from Newington High School in 1964 and the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1968.

He flew the RF-4C Phantom II aircraft in over 130 combat missions over Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. According to his obituary, provided by his family, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with eight oak leaves, the Vietnamese Cross of Valor, and numerous other awards.

Gordes later supplied fighter jets to the Shah of Iran and trained the Iranian Air Force. This led to his career in energy efficiency and renewable energy, as he wanted to end the country's dependence on foreign energy sources and prevent future conflicts over energy. He worked on the development of active solar systems, helped develop over 200 passive solar homes and served as vice chairman of the New York Solar Energy Industries Association, according to his family.

He is survived by his wife Lin, a niece, Lisa Escabí, her husband Monty and their son Holden of Wethersfield and his sister-in-law Barbara Gordes of Glastonbury.

According to an obituary, Gordes was preceded in death by his parents, George S. Gordes and Fannye V. (Halpern) Gordes, and his brother, Neil G. Gordes.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Road, Newington, CT 06111. Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family.