Former American ambassador to Canada fought ALS

BOSTON — Former governor Paul Cellucci, who led Massachusetts from 1997 to 2001 before becoming U.S. ambassador to Canada, died June 8 at his home of complications from ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He was 65.

His death was announced by Dr. Michael F. Collins, chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, where Cellucci spearheaded an effort to raise funds for ALS research after publicly revealing his diagnosis in 2011.

“I can’t help but think of the final high standard Paul set in the way he battled ALS,’’ Secretary of State John Kerry said in a statement. “The twinkle was still there, even from his wheelchair. He didn’t withdraw, but rather he began a new chapter as an advocate supporting UMass’s research into the very illness that he faced with courage.’’

In more than three decades in politics, starting at the local level on a commission in his hometown of Hudson, Mass., Cellucci never lost an election. He was a typically moderate New England Republican, fiscally conservative yet middle of the road on many social issues.

“Massachusetts lost a favoured son and devoted public servant today,’’ Gov. Deval Patrick said. “A lawyer, legislator, governor and diplomat, Paul Cellucci was also a kind man and a friend.’’

He was elected lieutenantgovernor on a ticket with one-time rival William Weld in 1990 and became acting governor in 1997 when Weld resigned to pursue an ambassadorship. Cellucci won election as governor in 1998.

In 2001, the Bush administration made him U.S. ambassador to Canada.

“This son of Hudson, Mass., was a close and loyal friend, a superb public servant, and a devoted family man — and our admiration for the way he served throughout his life, and fought a dreaded disease at the end, knows no bounds,’’ George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush said in a joint statement Saturday.

Cellucci was a longtime friend of the elder Bush, whose Massachusetts presidential campaigns he led, and was one of the first Republican governors to stoke the younger Bush’s presidential ambitions.

Cellucci revealed in January 2011 that he had ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Soon after, he helped launch the UMass ALS Champion Fund to support ALS research. The school said the campaign raised nearly $2 million under his leadership.