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Utah is a better place today because of the service rendered more than 30 years ago by Governor Calvin L. Rampton. His death Monday at the age of 93 is cause for mourning, but also for remembering and celebrating a most remarkable life.
That he won the governorship in 1964 after losing at least six earlier races for political office is a lesson in perseverance. A good man finally made his mark. He became Utah's first three-term governor and served in the position longer than anyone else.
He guided the modernization of state government. He initiated a bonding program for the construction of much needed buildings, especially at the state's colleges and universities. And with his "Rampton's Raiders" he creatively spurred economic development by bringing new industry to the state.
He was trustworthy, personable, and likeable. He understood the art of political compromise for the common good. The fact he was a democrat in republican Utah says a lot.
Many people who live in Utah today never knew him, nor were they led by him, yet they are the beneficiaries of what he accomplished from 1965 thru 1977. On this day of his funeral, KSL honors his memory and encourages all Utahns to do the same.
