Former Idaho Gov. John Evans Dies at 89

By Glenn Mosley, Idaho Public Radio

 

Former Idaho Governor John Evans has died at the age of 89. He served as governor of Idaho from 1977- 1987.

Marty Peterson, who served as state budget director for Gov. Evans, said, “I think that John Evans success as governor was substantial. He had a much lower personal profile, both as Governor and after, than many other governors. But if there was ever a case of still waters running deep in the governorship, it would apply to John Evans. He was governor during a time when the state was facing its greatest economic difficulties in half a century. Yet during that time, working with both state agency personnel and the Legislature, he helped insure that Idaho citizens continued to receive essential services, while managing to maintain a balanced budget. By the time he left office in 1987, the state was on its way toward a period of unparalleled prosperity. Much of what we enjoy in Idaho today is a legacy to the leadership of John Evans as Idaho’s governor.”

 

Gov. Evans waiting to talk to the crowd in Kellogg at the Old Miner’s Day Parade in 1982. (Photo courtesy University of Idaho Library Digital Initiatives)

Pat Costello, who served as the Governor’s legal counsel and senior assistant, said, “Governor Evans should also be remembered for a wise, balanced approach on natural resource management issues. I believe he was viewed as an honest broker between conservationists and development interests in wilderness area negotiations and water use policy. He held the Idaho National Laboratory to its commitments not to contaminate the Snake River aquifer while remaining a strong supporter of INLs radioactive waste management mission and energy research programs.”

The funeral will be held at 5:00 pm Friday at the Cathedral of the Rockies in Boise.

Copyright 2014 Idaho Public Radio

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