WALLA WALLA – Rep. Bill Grant, a rare Democrat representing Eastern Washington, died just one month after he was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Grant, 71, died at a hospital in Walla Walla on Sunday, House Democratic spokeswoman Melinda McCrady said Monday.

Grant served 22 years in the Legislature. He was re-elected in November, representing the 16th District that covers Walla Walla and Columbia counties, as well as portions of Benton and Franklin counties.

A replacement will be appointed to his seat until a special election can be held in November, McCrady said.

“Bill was one-of-a-kind. He was a man of the land, and he brought his farmer’s values of community, hard work and perseverance to the House of Representatives,” House Speaker Frank Chopp said in a statement.

Longtime family friend and Walla Walla County Commissioner Perry Dozier said Grant and his family had been optimistic about beating the rare form of lung cancer.

The situation deteriorated when he was hospitalized last week with pneumonia.

Grant is survived by his wife, Nancy, four children and 11 grandchildren.