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SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Legislature on Monday honored the state's longest-serving lawmaker Haven J. Barlow, who died the previous day at age 100.
"What a great life. ... What a legacy he's left," Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, said.
He noted Barlow wanted to live to age 100, a goal others wondered if he could reach.
"In true form, Haven set a goal, and he's a few weeks past 100," Adams said, noting that the retired legislator celebrated his birthday in January.
"I can't help but think of his family, the feelings they're having. ... They've got to be very proud, and we're all very proud and honored to have known him for his great service and the things he's done for the state, particularly for the Legislature," he added.
Barlow's son, Rep. Stewart Barlow, R-Fruit Heights, announced his passing in a Facebook post on Sunday.
"He lived an amazing 100 years. He will be greatly missed by many cherished friends and family. Rest in peace dad," Barlow said.
Haven Barlow's cause of death has not been released.
Senate Majority Whip Ann Millner, R-Ogden, celebrated Haven Barlow's impact on education in the state.
"If you look at technical education, we often call him the father of technical education. He wanted people to be able to go to work. At the same time, he believed in the degree-granting institutions and the opportunity they provide for people to enter careers and professions that are necessary to develop their talent," she said.
Millner noted that Barlow helped enact major changes at Weber State University. His name is on the legislation when the school changed from a two-year to a four-year institution, and when it became a university.
"His fingerprint is there. His fingerprint is also in the hearts and culture, many of the legacies that we have today related to the symphony and art programs, things that he was passionate about," Millner said.
The Utah House remembered him during floor time on Monday.
"Haven Barlow lived for 100 years and was the longest-serving lawmaker in state history. He served from 1952 to 1994, 42 years in this Capitol serving the citizens of the state of Utah. Four of those years, his four best years, were in the House. The other 38 he was in the Senate, including being the president of the Senate for six years," said House Speaker Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville.
Barlow served in the Navy during World War II and attended both Utah State University and Harvard, Wilson noted, expressing sympathy to Stewart Barlow and thanking him for the contribution his father made to the state.
"He was a very, very good man," Wilson said.
On Twitter, Gov. Spencer Cox said Barlow "epitomized a dedicated public servant."
Haven J. Barlow epitomized a dedicated public servant.
— Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox (@GovCox) February 7, 2022
We thank him for his many contributions to the state, and we offer sincere condolences to all who knew and loved him. pic.twitter.com/uaLm2bLqTI
Details for Barlow's funeral service have not yet been announced.
