Thursday, September 20, 2007

Calvin L. Rampton Obituary

Calvin L. Rampton 1913 ~ 2007

Surrounded by children and grandchildren, Calvin Lewellyn Rampton, Utah's 11th governor, passed away peacefully and without pain the evening of September 16, 2007. We invite you to join us in celebrating his remarkable life.Cal was born in Bountiful, Utah on November 6, 1913 to Lewellyn S. and Janet Campbell Rampton. Following his graduation from Davis High School in 1931 his plans for college were dramatically altered by his father's sudden death. To support his mother, brother Byron and sister Virginia, he took over the family's automobile business. The sale of this business in 1933 allowed him to enroll at the University of Utah from which he graduated in 1936. Cal then attended George Washington Law School in Washington, D.C., where he studied at night to allow him to work full time as administrative assistant to Congressman J. Will Robinson. It was while in Washington that he met and fell in love with his life-partner, Lucybeth Cardon. They were married in 1941. A move back to Utah was followed by the birth of daughter Margaret (Meg). Their union would ultimately yield three more children, Janet, Anthony (Tony) and Vince. The onset of World War II would suspend family and professional responsibilities as he served in Europe until the war's end as Chief of the Army Claims Commission in Paris where he obtained the rank of major. He would ultimately become a full colonel in the Army Reserve. Following the war, he returned to family and the practice of law. His specialty of civil trial practice earned him a fellowship in the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. Having contracted a chronic case of the political virus, Cal's life became periodically punctuated with candidacies as a Democrat for various political offices. These misadventures uniformly ended in defeat until, in 1964, he was elected governor. His life would never be the same. Progressive in his philosophy, pragmatic in his approach, and compassionate in his manner, he soon enjoyed the admiration and support of the electorate, and he was elected to and served three terms from 1965 to 1976. Education formed a cornerstone of his administrations. He believed that the pathway to our future passes through the education of our young. His competence was recognized far beyond the borders of Utah as he was entrusted with numerous regional and national responsibilities, including heading up the Education Commission of the States, the National Governors Conference, the Four Corners Regional Council and Council of State Governments. Of perhaps greatest satisfaction throughout his years of public service was his opportunity to share with Lucybeth, measure for measure in their meaningful associations with the people of the State of Utah. As to leisure, and notwithstanding a swing that couldn't break an egg, Cal's great passion was golf. There was nothing that he relished more than a game of golf with his cohorts at the Country Club, followed by libations and a game of gin rummy. The Alta Club was his choice for political dialogue with the Damned Old Democrats. He was also an avid reader until eyesight failed, favoring biographies and mysteries. Following his retirement from public office he returned to the practice of law at Jones, Waldo, Holbrook and McDonough where he practiced until he was 75. All in all it was a wonderful life. Cal was preceded in death by his wife Lucybeth and daughter Meg. He is survived by daughter Janet Warburton, and sons Tony (Irene) and Vince (Janice), 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren and counting. We would like to extend our warmest gratitude to the caregivers at Care Source. They provided Dad with comfort, care and dignity throughout his stay. Governor Rampton will lie in state at the Governors Mansion, 603 East South Temple, on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Public is welcome. Services will be on Friday, September 21, 2007, 11 a.m. at Parley's LDS Stake Center, 1870 East Parley's Canyon Blvd. The family will welcome friends and associates from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday evening, September 20, 2007 at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, and one hour prior to services on Friday at the stake center. In lieu of flowers we would suggest contributions to KUED or the charity or educational institution of your choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.larkinmortuary.com

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

God bless you Cal !