'Cal' laid to rest: Enduring Rampton legacy of leadership praised

Calvin L. Rampton was remembered during funeral services Friday for his legacy as the state's longest-serving governor, a leader more comfortable being known simply as "Cal."

President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, told several hundred people gathered at the Salt Lake Parleys Stake Center that wherever he goes, "a piece of Cal Rampton goes with me."

President Monson, who was appointed by Rampton to serve on the state Board of Regents at the same time he was a trustee at Brigham Young University, said the three-term Democratic governor was "a man of good will" who leaves behind a "heritage of honor."

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. said Rampton told him recently that the biggest challenge now in public service is the lack of civility. Huntsman, a Republican, recalled Rampton saying just weeks before his death on Sunday, "The system has become too darn mean."

Rampton is credited with bringing Utah into the modern era after taking office in 1965, especially in education and tourism development. "All the modern issues we deal with today got their kick-start with Governor Rampton," Huntsman said.

Besides Utah's current governor, the stake center's chapel and cultural hall were filled with many current and former politicians, including former governors Norm Bangerter and Olene Walker, as well as Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah.

Elder Robert D. Hales of the LDS Church's Quorum of the Twelve spoke of Rampton's "cordial relationship" with the state's predominant faith. Politicians now, Elder Hales said, "see either the need to court the LDS vote or distance themselves from the church."

But Rampton, who wrote eloquently at age 17 about questioning the existence of God after the death of his father, was different, Elder Hales said. Rampton maintained his independence but was also "keenly aware" of ways the church and state could cooperate.

Rampton's three surviving children — Janet Warburton, Tony Rampton and Vince Rampton — described the personal life of the man many Utahns still called "The Gov" long after his third term ended in 1977.

Warburton, who became the eldest when her sister, Meg, died 21 years ago, said her father held what he termed a nightly "roll call" of his children and, later, his grandchildren. The evening telephone calls, Warburton said, made them feel safe.