Sen. Ed Mayne, D-West Valley, a lifelong champion of labor and the underprivileged, who was elected to the Utah Senate four times, died Sunday surrounded by his family in West Valley City.

First elected to the Senate in 1994, he rose to the rank of assistant minority whip. He also was the president of the Utah AFL-CIO.

Leaders of both political parties said his wife, Karen, may be appointed to take his place as senator. After someone is appointed senator, it will be up to the Democrats of that chamber to decide who should become the new assistant minority whip.

Sen. Mayne, 62, was remembered by acquaintances not only for championing working men and women and families but also for his good humor and gentlemanly demeanor.

Earlier this year he was diagnosed with lung cancer. He pledged to continue battling for causes he supported, and as late as September told a legislative committee that employers who paid workers in cash were suppressing wages, taxes and everything else.

"It's killing our system," he said. "If we don't do something in the enforcement area, we've really made a mistake."

Jamie Jennings, Sen. Mayne's daughter, said Sunday that his death was "very peaceful, surrounded by his family at home."

She commented on "what a wonderful guy he was and how much he did to help the west side."

Her father was, Jennings added, "the voice for working families." She said funeral arrangements probably would be finalized by Monday night.

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. said Sen. Mayne served honorably and selflessly in an effort to make Utah a better place for all.

"Eddie epitomized public service in all that he did throughout his career," the governor said in a statement issued Sunday night.

"His devotion to those who were in need of help should stand as an example to all. One could always count on Senator Mayne to stand up for those who could not defend themselves. On behalf of a grateful State, Mary Kaye and I offer our most sincere condolences to Karen and the rest of the Mayne family." Huntsman authorized the national flag and the flag of the state to be flown at half-staff on all state-owned facilities on the day of interment, says the release.

"Sen. Mayne was a real giant," said Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem. That was true "more than just in stature.

"He's the kind of guy that really, really cared about people, especially working men and women, and he fought really hard for the things he believed in." He was always a gentleman, he added, and "we're going to miss him."