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SALT LAKE CITY — State leaders mourned Saturday with the news that Allyson Gamble, the longtime director of the Capitol Preservation Board, died unexpectedly on Friday night.
Officials including Gov. Gary Herbert, Gov.-elect Spencer Cox and House Speaker Brad Wilson issued public statements about Gamble, who had served on the board for nearly 20 years and as its director for 11, according to her LinkedIn account.
Cox said Gamble died of a stroke. "She will forever be part of this magnificent building," Cox tweeted Saturday. "She was brave and fierce and kind. Our hearts are broken and we will miss her."
In a statement, Herbert wrote that Gamble's death marks "a sad day for Utah, and all those who knew and loved Allyson.
"She was beloved by everyone! Our state Capitol is a magnificent building made all the more beautiful and welcoming to the public because of her dedication and professionalism in managing this tremendous asset. She had a special love for the people's house — and everyone who worked in it. She was enthusiastic, warmhearted, and kind, and the Capitol building will be a little less bright in her absence."
Col. Michael Rapich of the Utah Highway Patrol called Gamble "our dear friend and champion."
"She has been an incredible leader, a constant example to all who knew her, and just an amazing person," Rapich tweeted. "Our hearts are forever with you!!!"
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passage of Allyson Gamble.
— Speaker Brad Wilson (@BradWilsonGOP) December 5, 2020
Allyson served as Director of the Capitol Preservation Board for over a decade, overseeing all operations pertaining to the State Capitol Complex. (1/3)
Wilson said on Twitter that Gamble was "instrumental" in the 2004 remodeling, and seismic retrofitting, of the Capitol. "Her work touched the lives of many public officials, school groups, and thousands of visitors every year who come to the Capitol to enjoy its beauty," he said. "Allyson was a wonderful and caring member of our Capitol family and she will be greatly missed."
Gamble was quoted by KSL TV as recently as September after the windstorm that blew over several trees on the Capitol grounds. "It's the people's house," she said at the time. "We want to make sure the people's grounds are cleaned and they can come up and enjoy them."
Gamble's resilience has been chronicled by several news outlets during her time on the Preservation Board, as well, as she battled through health challenges including two heart transplants to remain a fixture on Capitol Hill.
