Cecil Andrus, the longest-serving governor of Idaho and former Secretary of the Interior has died. A lion of Idaho Democratic politics, Andrus had long led the state's charge to balance environmental preservation with economic growth, which sometimes led to allies on either side side dismissing him.
Following the news of his death, an outpouring of memories for Cecil Andrus from politicians to residents began to populate social media and inboxes. Some of the remembrances are included below:
We mourn the loss of Cecil Andrus – a mentor, counsel and friend. Cece was a great Idahoan. He will be missed. https://t.co/PQRaoDXLi0
— Idaho Governor (@ButchOtter) August 25, 2017
A special memory Rosalynn and I cherish is the float trip with Carol and Cece down the Middle Fork of the Salmon, competing in catching the most trout. Cece loved the outdoors and was a genuine conservationist. Americans are better off because of his service, and I am better because of his friendship." - President Jimmy Carter
Cecil D. Andrus - Idaho governor four times, Interior Secretary - conservationist, champion of education, a brilliant, supremely decent guy. pic.twitter.com/Phc48hJlgt
— Marc C Johnson (@TheJohnsonPost) August 25, 2017
Ask me about the time my dog broke into Cecil Andrus's house and poached his dog food.
— Shea Andersen (@thatshea) August 25, 2017
"Governor Andrus was one of the most accomplished, successful and masterful political figures I have worked with. He had the judgment and strength to take matters where he wanted them to go." - Senator Jim Risch
Idaho lost a great statesman and conservationist last night. Kathy and I send our thoughts & prayers to former Gov. Cecil Andrus' family.
— Cong. Mike Simpson (@CongMikeSimpson) August 25, 2017
Cecil Andrus made a great place even greater and his impact will be felt for generations. My full statement: https://t.co/gU8Skh7aoU
— Lawrence G. Wasden (@lawrencewasden) August 25, 2017
"It was his last day in office before heading to Washington, DC to become Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior. I remember I was proud to shake his hand and to say, 'God bless you, Governor Andrus.' Once again, I stand with many fellow Idahoans saying, 'God bless you, Governor Andrus.'" - Governor Dirk Kempthorne
I will always admire Cecil Andrus for his commitment to public lands and for the mark he left not only in Idaho, but all over the West. pic.twitter.com/szyupxgmNn
— Steve Bullock (@GovernorBullock) August 25, 2017
"Among those who have led the way saving America’s greatest wilderness lands, Cecil Andrus was a giant . . . I can't imagine what Idaho would be like had we not benefited from his vision and determination to hand spectacular wild places down to future generations. We have lost a great champion of conservation today." - Craig Gehrke, Idaho state director with The Wilderness Society
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