Wallace Hyde, a long-time Democratic fundraiser, has died, according to an e-mail from the state party today.

Hyde grew up in Graham County and ended up getting a doctorate in highway safety from New York University. 

A board member and donor to Western Carolina University, Hyde was best known as a fundraiser and confidant for Democratic politicians. He was active in Terry Sanford's 1960 campaign for governor, headed Gov. Bob Scott's committee to restructure the UNC system and Gov. Jim Hunt appointed him to the N.C. Bank Board. 

Hyde's wife, Jeanette, was an ambassador to Barbados. A note from the state party recounts, "In 1976, he and his wife, Ambassador Jeanette Hyde, held an elegant fundraising dinner for Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter on the front lawn of the Biltmore Estate."

Hyde is survived by his wife of 28 years and two children, Barbara White and Charles Hyde, who live in Asheville.