While he was not living in the state while Rampton was governor, Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, said he did have business here and dealt with Rampton often. "I had enormous respect for his professionalism and competence, and came to value his friendship. Utah has lost one its finest sons, as well as one of its best public servants."

Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, said Rampton is someone he respected "at a personal level. He attended Davis High with members of my family, and I was acquainted with him and his extended family.

"I had the opportunity on several occasions to have private conversations where he would retell some of his favorite political stories from the good old days. He was a fascinating and dedicated public servant — a unique character in Utah politics who will long be remembered."

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, called Rampton a man "who truly cared about his family, his community, and our great state. He was greatly respected by all who had the pleasure of working with him, and I have always appreciated his integrity, his simple candor, and his dedication to good government. He made friends from both sides of the aisle, and you could always count on him to roll up his sleeves and get the job done."

Scott Matheson Jr. said he and his parents shared a deep admiration and respect for Rampton.

"When other high school students were writing essays about Washington, Lincoln, and FDR, I was writing about Governor Rampton."

Matheson said that when he ran for governor in 2004, Rampton served as his campaign chairman.

"He was still one of the great political strategists in the state, and it was wonderful to have him in my corner. In October, I called him to ask how he thought things were going. He said, 'Scott, you're doing a great job. If we can keep Bush under 55 percent of the vote, I think you have a decent chance.'"

"I replied, 'But Gov, Bush is probably going to get 65 to 70 percent of the vote.'

"There was a brief pause on the other end of the line, and then he said, as only Governor Rampton could, 'Scott, I think you're in trouble.'

University of Utah President Michael Young praised Rampton for establishing higher education's governing Board of Regents and for pioneering bonding for construction of higher education facilities. "The young people in Utah have never had a better friend than Governor Rampton," Young said. "We at the University of Utah honor Governor Rampton's memory and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family."

The Utah National Guard also expressed condolences at Rampton's passing.

"We mourn his passing as a fine leader, both as governor and our commander in chief," said Maj. Gen. Brian Tarbet, adjutant general of the Utah National Guard.

"He did much to set the course and direction of the Utah Guard for many years following his tenure," continued Tarbet. "After he left public office Governor Rampton continued to provide leadership to the Utah National Guard as a member of the Honorary Colonels Corps. He was a visionary and thoughtful leader and we will miss him."

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Contributing: Bob Bernick Jr.; Stephen Speckman; Suzanne Struglinski

E-mail: sfidel@desnews.com