Utah leaders praise former Gov. Rampton

Calvin Rampton jovially reflected recently that he had outlived most of his political and professional associates.

And while he did outlive many, many of them — from both sides of the political aisle — provided glowing comments Monday about the former Democratic governor who passed away Sunday.

"His leadership and service brought enormous success and pride to the people of Utah. We are all beneficiaries of his legacy," said Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. "Mary Kaye and I express our heartfelt condolences to the Rampton family. The entire state of Utah joins them in mourning the loss of one of the finest public servants we have ever known."

Huntsman has authorized both the American and Utah state flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of the former governor at state-owned facilities immediately until sunset on the day of interment. A funeral service is set for Friday.

Former Salt Lake Mayor Ted Wilson said he'll miss "old Cal."

Wilson said Rampton was "perhaps the most powerful and effective governor this state has ever had."

Rampton revamped the public and higher education system in the state, pushing what, at the time, was the largest construction bond issued to greatly expand several campuses, including the University of Utah.

"He worked so well with members of both parties, he was extraordinary," said Wilson, who after his mayorship ran the U.'s Hinckley Institute of Politics.

"He was an amazingly kind man. A great sense of humor, who told wonderful stories."

Wilson said he often attended what have become known as the "old Democrats" luncheons at the Alta Club, a downtown private club. "And he would regale us with these stories of old-day politics. He was a joy."

With the death of Rampton, Utah now has three living former governors, all Republicans: Norm Bangerter, Mike Leavitt and Olene Walker. Leavitt, who is now the U.S. secretary of Health and Human Services, said, "Few Utahns will endure like Calvin Rampton. He will be remembered as an astute governor, towering community leader and a man of remarkable charm and good wit.

"I sought his wisdom regularly and came to count on candid, experience-laced thoughts, generally weaved into a good story," Leavitt said in a statement. "Utah won't be the same without him, but it is clearly better because of him."

Norma Matheson, wife of former Utah Gov. Scott Matheson, said of Rampton, "He had a tremendous influence, not only on the state but so many individuals, particularly on our family."

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?