She said it was Rampton who talked her into letting her husband, Scott, run for governor. "I told him on inaugural day, 'If it doesn't work out, it's all your fault.' He just laughed. It's the end of an era, isn't it?

"Fortunately (Scott Matheson Jr.) and I went out to see him on Friday. I'm just grateful we took that opportunity because he was still alert and very conversational. Of course we talked about his favorite subject and ours: politics," she said. "He still had a few really pointed comments to make. He's such a bright, intelligent, wonderful man. It's a great loss, of course."

Norma Matheson's son, Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, said Rampton took a "practical, commonsense approach to getting things done for Utah.

"Through a number of initiatives, he put Utah on a course of determining its own destiny, rather than letting outsiders set the agenda," Rep. Matheson said in a statement. "He planted many of the seeds that are bearing fruit for Utahns to this day."

Jack Gallivan, former Salt Lake Tribune publisher and one of Rampton's close friends, said Rampton was "by any measurement Utah's most accomplished governor. His personality, vision and leadership brought about bipartisan government to dramatically advance the social, cultural and economic welfare of the state. Utah has lost its favorite son."

Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff also expressed his sympathy to Rampton's family.

"Governor Rampton was a gentleman as a public servant, prosecutor and private-practice attorney," Shurtleff said in a statement. "I was inspired to dedicate my professional life to the practice of law while interning at his law firm, Jones Waldo, Holbrook and McDonough. Governor Rampton was a great example to me and to all Utahns of a life lived well through service and a commitment to the rule of law, justice, equality, fundamental fairness and individual worth. He will be remembered and honored for generations."

A statement from the Hinckley Institute of Politics said Rampton, a member of the institute's Hall of Fame, "embodied the Hinckley Institute's vision of 'every student a politician,'" demonstrating extraordinary personal resolve and dedication by running six unsuccessful campaigns prior to winning the governorship in 1964.

"While in office Gov. Rampton was a tireless advocate of public and higher education and provided insightful leadership in the areas of economic development and tourism. He was known for honest and thoughtful leadership — demanding consideration of and respect for opposing viewpoints. ... Utah has lost an incredible public servant, friend and advocate. He will be greatly missed."

Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah, echoed that sentiment in a statement. "Governor Rampton will always occupy an important place in Utah history. We honor his service and mourn his passing."