SL Trib: Cal Rampton, beloved former governor, to be laid to rest today

Many paid respects at Governor's Mansion Thursday
By Robert Gehrke
The Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated:09/21/2007 07:31:36 AM MDT

Scores of Utahns filed through the Governor's Mansion on Thursday to pay tribute to the late Cal Rampton, the state's longest serving governor.

"I think he wouldn't have expected it," said Rampton's daughter, Janet Warburton. "He was a pretty humble guy when it gets down to it, and he said, 'Nobody would come.' "

But scores of people did come, from old friends to passing acquaintances, to three classes of seventh-graders, all born nearly two decades after Rampton left office.

Rampton's flag-draped casket sat just inside the main south doors of the historic mansion, with an American flag and Utah National Guard soldier at one end, a Utah flag and state trooper at the other.

Rampton never lived in the current Governor's Mansion, which was turned over to the state Historical Society by his predecessor, J. Bracken Lee, but restored as the first family's residence by his successor, Scott Matheson.

Rob Miller, now vice-chairman of the Utah Democratic Party, spent much of his youth in the Utah Capitol while his father was Rampton's press secretary and later a senior aide, and said Rampton is the reason he's a Democrat today.

Miller said one afternoon he and his sister were fighting over a record player in the office next to his dad's when Rampton made peace between the feuding siblings and listened to records while he held the children on his lap.

"He was a true gentleman," said Gloria Hunt, who worked in the highway department during the Rampton administration and still works in the Governor's Office. "He had a real vision of what state government should be."

Many who came praised his willingness to work across party lines and find solutions that would benefit the state, particularly his efforts to improve Utah's education system and bolster tourism and economic development.

"He had a knack for bringing people together, all people, not just one group of people," said Joe Torres, a state employee. "That's why I stopped by today, because he had a knack for that and I think that's somewhat lacking today."

Brent Cameron was part of a body created by Rampton to foster industrial development, called "Rampton's Raiders," and later was his campaign coordinator in Salt Lake County when Rampton ran for a third term.

"Cal has always been a true inspiration and mentor to me and a true friend," Cameron said.
George Durham knew Rampton through his father, G. Homer Durham, whom Rampton appointed as the first commissioner of education and spoke highly of the governor.
"As I visited here a lot, I heard what a competent and capable man he was," Durham said.
Rick Olsen, a teacher at Bryant Middle School, brought three of his classes to the mansion because he believed it was a chance for them to see history.

"I want the kids to find out the importance, not only of our government, but what are the protocols of coming to a state ceremony," he said.

Richard Christenson was a teenager when he met Rampton, then an attorney in private practice, and said the future governor always treated him as a contemporary.

Years later, Christenson became Rampton's LDS Church bishop and home-teacher.
"Cal treated all human beings as if they were children of God," he said. "He didn't wear his religion openly. He just lived it."

As he aged, Rampton remained a lion in the Utah Democratic Party, frequently speaking at party gatherings and advising party leaders.

Party Chairman Wayne Holland said, "The Guv" serves as a model when he tries to recruit young candidates to run for office, both for his leadership ability and his perseverance, since Rampton ran and lost a half-dozen times.

Holland said he, Rampton and some other Democrats were meeting recently at The Alta Club, when one Democrat started griping about what they felt were dirty political attacks from Republicans, and asked when Democrats were going to respond in kind.

Rampton slammed his fist on the table and bellowed in his gruff voice: " 'Integrity! Integrity is what we're about,' " Holland said. " 'We may win or we may lose, but we'll never lose our integrity.' "

Rampton died Sunday at the age of 93. He had been diagnosed with cancer and suffered a stroke after entering hospice care. Despite his ailments, those who visited him in hospice said his renowned mind remained sharp.

Warburton said that, as the stream of friends visited him, "it was starting to dawn on him that he was loved."

Rampton's funeral will be at 11 a.m. today at the Salt Lake Parleys LDS Stake Center, 1870 E. Parleys Canyon Blvd.

D News: Hundreds honor Rampton

Turnout would have surprised 'The Governor,' mourners say
By Lisa Riley Roche
Deseret Morning News
Published: September 21, 2007

Several hundred Utahns lined up outside the Governor's Mansion on Thursday afternoon to pay homage to the late Gov. Cal Rampton, the state's longest-serving chief executive.

"It's a wonderful opportunity to just pay your deep respect, especially to someone who was so well thought of," former Rampton administration employee Gloria Hunt said after walking through the mansion's grand hall, where Rampton's flag-draped casket was placed. Hunt, who worked for what was then the state Department of Highways and now is employed by Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., said Rampton would be surprised at the number of people who paid their respects.

"He was a very humble man," Hunt said.

Rampton's eldest living child, Janet Warburton, said her father would have questioned whether anyone would even recall his service to the state. "He'd say, 'Nobody remembers me any more. I'm an old man."'

But the service made it clear that Utahns have not forgotten the man known to most as simply "The Governor," a Democrat who served three terms from 1965 to 1977 and is credited with bringing the state into the modern era.

Huntsman offered the mansion as the place for his late predecessor to lie in state because the state Capitol is closed for a massive, multiyear renovation. Huntsman said he wanted "to share some of the governor's legacy right here in the mansion."

There is no state protocol for dealing with the death of a former governor, so Huntsman's staff tapped the knowledge of the White House in arranging the service. An honor guard of Utah Highway Patrol troopers and National Guardsmen accompanied the casket.

Rampton's youngest child, Vince, said the family was "grateful but somewhat overwhelmed" by the event. The last Utah governor to lie in state was Scott Matheson, in 1990, in the rotunda of the Capitol.

Former Salt Lake Tribune publisher Jack Gallivan, who grew up in the mansion, said the South Temple home was better for his longtime friend.

"It's a much warmer setting," said Gallivan, who was the first person to walk by Rampton's coffin.

Members of the Rampton family arrived with the body of the late governor at the mansion at 11 a.m. and spent time sharing memories with Huntsman and first lady Mary Kaye Huntsman before the mansion doors were opened to the public at noon for four hours.

Robb T. Benns Sr., whose late wife, Bernice, advised Rampton on education issues, said he came to remember a governor whose door was always open.

"He came back to touch base with the people," Benns said of the former governor. "He's touching base again."

Kirk Jowers, director of the University of Utah's Hinckley Institute of Politics, said Rampton's lying in state at the mansion helps put politics in perspective.

"These opportunities to remember our leaders are important, and they are unifying," Jowers said. "To have such a well-respected leader lie in state gives us another opportunity to remember the partisan divisions are not nearly so deep as they seem.

"I hope it gives us a chance to realize we truly are Utahns before we are Democrats or Republicans."

Rampton, who was in hospice care after suffering a stroke and earlier being diagnosed with cancer, died last Sunday at 93. Funeral services are set for 11 a.m. Friday at the Salt Lake Parleys LDS Stake Center, 1870 E. Parleys Canyon Blvd.

Photo of Craig Axford by

Several hundred Utahns lined up outside the Governor's Mansion on Thursday afternoon to pay homage to the late Gov. Cal Rampton, the state's longest-serving chief executive.

"It's a wonderful opportunity to just pay your deep respect, especially to someone who was so well thought of," former Rampton administration employee Gloria Hunt said after walking through the mansion's grand hall, where Rampton's flag-draped casket was placed. Hunt, who worked for what was then the state Department of Highways and now is employed by Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., said Rampton would be surprised at the number of people who paid their respects.

"He was a very humble man," Hunt said.

Rampton's eldest living child, Janet Warburton, said her father would have questioned whether anyone would even recall his service to the state. "He'd say, 'Nobody remembers me any more. I'm an old man."'

But the service made it clear that Utahns have not forgotten the man known to most as simply "The Governor," a Democrat who served three terms from 1965 to 1977 and is credited with bringing the state into the modern era.

Huntsman offered the mansion as the place for his late predecessor to lie in state because the state Capitol is closed for a massive, multiyear renovation. Huntsman said he wanted "to share some of the governor's legacy right here in the mansion."

There is no state protocol for dealing with the death of a former governor, so Huntsman's staff tapped the knowledge of the White House in arranging the service. An honor guard of Utah Highway Patrol troopers and National Guardsmen accompanied the casket.

Rampton's youngest child, Vince, said the family was "grateful but somewhat overwhelmed" by the event. The last Utah governor to lie in state was Scott Matheson, in 1990, in the rotunda of the Capitol.

Former Salt Lake Tribune publisher Jack Gallivan, who grew up in the mansion, said the South Temple home was better for his longtime friend.

"It's a much warmer setting," said Gallivan, who was the first person to walk by Rampton's coffin.

Members of the Rampton family arrived with the body of the late governor at the mansion at 11 a.m. and spent time sharing memories with Huntsman and first lady Mary Kaye Huntsman before the mansion doors were opened to the public at noon for four hours.

Robb T. Benns Sr., whose late wife, Bernice, advised Rampton on education issues, said he came to remember a governor whose door was always open.

"He came back to touch base with the people," Benns said of the former governor. "He's touching base again."

Kirk Jowers, director of the University of Utah's Hinckley Institute of Politics, said Rampton's lying in state at the mansion helps put politics in perspective.

"These opportunities to remember our leaders are important, and they are unifying," Jowers said. "To have such a well-respected leader lie in state gives us another opportunity to remember the partisan divisions are not nearly so deep as they seem.

"I hope it gives us a chance to realize we truly are Utahns before we are Democrats or Republicans."

Rampton, who was in hospice care after suffering a stroke and earlier being diagnosed with cancer, died last Sunday at 93. Funeral services are set for 11 a.m. Friday at the Salt Lake Parleys LDS Stake Center, 1870 E. Parleys Canyon Blvd.

Photo of Craig Axford by

Several hundred Utahns lined up outside the Governor's Mansion on Thursday afternoon to pay homage to the late Gov. Cal Rampton, the state's longest-serving chief executive.

"It's a wonderful opportunity to just pay your deep respect, especially to someone who was so well thought of," former Rampton administration employee Gloria Hunt said after walking through the mansion's grand hall, where Rampton's flag-draped casket was placed. Hunt, who worked for what was then the state Department of Highways and now is employed by Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., said Rampton would be surprised at the number of people who paid their respects.

"He was a very humble man," Hunt said.

Rampton's eldest living child, Janet Warburton, said her father would have questioned whether anyone would even recall his service to the state. "He'd say, 'Nobody remembers me any more. I'm an old man."'

But the service made it clear that Utahns have not forgotten the man known to most as simply "The Governor," a Democrat who served three terms from 1965 to 1977 and is credited with bringing the state into the modern era.

Huntsman offered the mansion as the place for his late predecessor to lie in state because the state Capitol is closed for a massive, multiyear renovation. Huntsman said he wanted "to share some of the governor's legacy right here in the mansion."

There is no state protocol for dealing with the death of a former governor, so Huntsman's staff tapped the knowledge of the White House in arranging the service. An honor guard of Utah Highway Patrol troopers and National Guardsmen accompanied the casket.

Rampton's youngest child, Vince, said the family was "grateful but somewhat overwhelmed" by the event. The last Utah governor to lie in state was Scott Matheson, in 1990, in the rotunda of the Capitol.

Former Salt Lake Tribune publisher Jack Gallivan, who grew up in the mansion, said the South Temple home was better for his longtime friend.

"It's a much warmer setting," said Gallivan, who was the first person to walk by Rampton's coffin.

Members of the Rampton family arrived with the body of the late governor at the mansion at 11 a.m. and spent time sharing memories with Huntsman and first lady Mary Kaye Huntsman before the mansion doors were opened to the public at noon for four hours.

Robb T. Benns Sr., whose late wife, Bernice, advised Rampton on education issues, said he came to remember a governor whose door was always open.

"He came back to touch base with the people," Benns said of the former governor. "He's touching base again."

Kirk Jowers, director of the University of Utah's Hinckley Institute of Politics, said Rampton's lying in state at the mansion helps put politics in perspective.

"These opportunities to remember our leaders are important, and they are unifying," Jowers said. "To have such a well-respected leader lie in state gives us another opportunity to remember the partisan divisions are not nearly so deep as they seem.

"I hope it gives us a chance to realize we truly are Utahns before we are Democrats or Republicans."

Rampton, who was in hospice care after suffering a stroke and earlier being diagnosed with cancer, died last Sunday at 93. Funeral services are set for 11 a.m. Friday at the Salt Lake Parleys LDS Stake Center, 1870 E. Parleys Canyon Blvd.

Photo of Craig Axford by Michael Brandy, Deseret Morning News Craig Axford, center, pauses before the casket of former Gov. Cal Rampton Thursday at the Governor's Mansion.

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

SL Trib: Cal Rampton: Former three-term governor dies at 93

Cancer claims popular Democrat
Cal Rampton: Former three-term governor dies at 93
By Paul Rolly
The Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated:09/17/2007 10:23:58 AM MDT

Calvin L. Rampton lost six elections in a row and seemed to be Utah's consummate political loser before he was elected governor in 1964, served three terms and earned a place in history as one of the state's most significant figures.

He died Sunday night of cancer in a Holladay hospice. He was 93.

Rampton modernized state government, invented Utah's economic and tourism development model and renovated and expanded college and university campuses in preparation for the onslaught of baby boomer students.

He is remembered not only for his accomplishments as a government leader, but for a steadfast integrity and honesty viewed by many as uncommon in today's political environment. And he is known for the endearing partnership he had with his wife, Lucybeth, whom he honored both in his speeches and writings as a guiding force in his life.

"Cal Rampton brought an intelligence and integrity to the political landscape that everyone respected," said Pat Shea, former chairman of the Utah Democrat Party and a one-time gubernatorial candidate.

"When he spoke, everyone knew that he had thought long and hard about what he was going to say. He never said something just to get headlines," Shea said. "And when he made a decision, there was no question that he believed it was the best decision for the state, not for political expediency or a vested economic interest."

Elected in 1964, Rampton broke a 16-year Republican grip on Utah's statehouse and secured a Democratic stronghold that would last through his 12 years in office and another eight years under the late Scott Matheson, whom Rampton mentored and helped get elected in 1976.

Rampton said in a recent interview that he became a Democrat "at the knee of my maternal grandfather, who would hold me on his lap and tell me the virtues of low tariffs over high tariffs. I had no idea what he was talking about, but I knew I loved it."

His attraction to the party that would eventually honor him as its greatest leader was enhanced by the influence of his Davis High School debate teacher, Frank Muir, who taught him to speak directly to his audience by flinging pieces of chalk at his forehead every time he looked away.

"Although my maternal grandfather already had me steered toward being a Democrat, if there was any doubt about it, Frank Muir put the finishing touches on it," Rampton wrote in his 1989 memoir, As I Recall.

After he was elected as the part-time Davis County attorney in 1938, Rampton lost bids for the state Senate in 1940, 1948 and 1952, as well as bids for state Democratic party chairman and Democratic national committeeman during the 1950s. He tried for the U.S. Senate in 1962 and lost in the Democratic primary.

But he never could stay far from the political fray. His political activity began when he was in his 20s as an aide to Rep. Will Robinson, D-Utah, in Washington, D.C., where he met Lucybeth Cardon, a legal secretary.

He married her in 1940 after earning his law degree at the University of Utah even as he served as Davis County attorney and ran Robinson's Utah field office.

Rampton's law and political career, as well as his family life, were interrupted when the United States entered World War II and Rampton was activated by the Army as a second lieutenant. He worked mostly for the Judge Advocates Office, but eventually went to France, the scene of this memorable story:

"There was a small airfield near Beauvais, and as the Battle of the Bulge was winding down after Christmas the Germans . . . dropped a great number of parachutists around the area. Therefore, we all had to answer with passwords at the various checkpoints. An army sentry stopped me at a checkpoint and asked me for the password, but I couldn't remember it. He brought his gun up and said, 'What's Blondie's husband's name.' I told him I couldn't remember his name, but that he eats those big sandwiches. The sentry laughed and let me pass."

In France he also ran into his childhood friend Max Rich, who later would be one of his most trusted advisers when he was governor. Rich was leading a battalion toward the Battle of the Bulge, but took time to visit Rampton's quarters "where we drank champagne and sang old Davis High School songs."

After the war, Rampton worked as an assistant Utah attorney general and in a private law firm with two other attorneys. His family grew to six, with four children born between 1941 and 1952, and he remained active in state and national Democratic politics.

During his run for the governorship, Rampton had the help of a group of advisers his wife dubbed "the back-yard mafia," who'd sit around his swimming pool and devise strategies. After a particular vicious attack against Rampton in fliers distributed by an anonymous group a week before the 1964 election, some of his advisors wanted to respond in kind.

Rampton considered it, but said his son Tony "was aghast that I would even think of such a thing."

In the end, his campaign did not go negative. "And I'm glad we didn't do it," he wrote.

The "back-yard mafia," consisting mostly of fellow attorneys active in the Democratic party, stuck with him after he was elected. They gathered a group of about 30 "bright young Democrats" who met with Rampton every evening to build an agenda. He credited that group for his ability to get most of what he wanted through his first Legislature, which was predominantly Democratic, in 1965.

After his three terms, Rampton resumed his private law practice where he worked mostly in corporate law. He continued to work at the law firm of Jones, Waldo, Holbrook and McDonough - except for Fridays, his golf day - well into his 80s.

He also continued to hold court as a valued political mentor for a new generation of Democrats. Even in his late 80s, he was the keynote speaker at a Democratic state convention, where he referred to Utah's all-Republican U.S. House delegation as "the three stooges."

The closest thing to a scandal in Rampton's administration involved allegations that the Utah Liquor Commission improperly used its inventories of alcohol for personal use. One commissioner was indicted, but was acquitted at trial.

"When a reporter confronted Rampton at his monthly televised news conference, stating, "Isn't it true you improperly served alcohol at the Governor's Mansion?" Rampton replied: "Yep. It won't happen again."

"Rampton proved that even if there is a potential scandal, there is a window of escape if you are honest," Shea said. "You see politicians today, even when they are innocent, go through these lawyer-like contortions to get out of something that looks embarrassing. They've lost the Rampton rotor of integrity."

Rampton's blunt honesty and the compassion he and his wife Lucybeth exhibited endeared him most to his acquaintances and constituents both during and after his tenure in office.

Matheson used to tell this story: Jimmy Carter, who had been the governor of Georgia, was running for president. Asked what he thought of Carter, Rampton replied that he was one of the five worst governors he had served with.

The quote went on the national news wire and Carter heard about it. He called Rampton and said: "Cal, did you really say that about me?"

After a pause, Rampton said, "Yes, Jimmy, I did. But I didn't know reporters were there."
-----------------------
Calvin L. Rampton:
Born: Nov. 6, 1913 in Bountiful, Utah to Lewllyn S. Rampton and Janet Campbell Rampton.

Married: Lucybeth Cardon March 10, 1940:
Died: Sept. 16, 2007
Survivors: Daughter, Janet Warburton, Sons Anthony Rampton, Vincent Rampton, all Salt Lake City. Numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren. Brother Byron, sister Virginia? Preceded in death by parents, wife Lucybeth and daughter Meg.

Funeral: arrangements pending.

"Luv the Guv"

Calvin L. Rampton 1913-2007

Last night former Governor Calvin L. Rampton joined his wife Lucybeth in eternity.

His legacy has touched so many Utah Democrats especially this vice chair whose first campaign memory was a green and white pin that my father gave me that read, "Luv the Guv".

My father Michael T. Miller was Cal's press secretary during his second term and served as Cal's executive assistant during Cal's third term. Due to the nature of dad's work I spent many weekends playing in the state capitol and it wasn't uncommon to run into and interact with "The Guv" during those weekend adventures.

When I made the decision to run for vice chair of the Utah Democratic Party one of the first things I did was to visit Cal to ask for his support and counsel. After a tough interrogation of my vision for the Party I was able to earn both, and I was proud to have Cal's endorsement for my run for Davis County Commission as well as my reelection as vice chair.

This is a difficult moment for me. Although I understand that Cal lived a long and productive life it doesn't take away from the fact that Utah has lost a very special member of our community, and that for reasons that I don't quite understand I was able to observe Cal's historical leadership first hand. I am grateful for that gift and I am honored and humbled to state that I do "Luv the Guv", I always have, and I always will.