Former Idaho Gov. Cecil Andrus dies
Former Idaho Gov. Cecil D. Andrus died Thursday afternoon Idaho Sen. Cherie Buckner-Webb said in a Facebook post.
“It is with a heavy heart and great admiration I honor the life of Idaho icon, Cecil D. Andrus who passed away this afternoon,” Buckner-Webb said.
Andrus was a member of the Democratic Party who served as governor for 14 years; from 1971 to 1977, and again from 1987 to 1995. Born in Oregon, Andrus moved to northern Idaho after being discharged from the United States Navy. Andrus also served as U.S. Secretary of the Interior, under President Jimmy Carter.
The National Governor’s Association reports that during his time as Idaho’s governor, Andrus “opposed federal efforts to store nuclear waste in Idaho, negotiated a landmark water pollution control agreement between land-use and conservation interests, and filed a successful suit against the federal government based on the effect of dams operated by the Army Corps of Engineers on spawning and migration of the endangered Snake River salmon.”
“A Renaissance man indeed, he served as Idaho Governor for 14 years, U.S. Secretary of the Interior, and was a nationally known conservationist, dedicated to the preservation of the environment,” the post by Buckner-Webb said. “The consummate gentlemen, he epitomized leadership, citizenship and great love for family, friends and the people of Idaho,” Buckner-Webb wrote. “We will miss you Governor.”
Andrus was 85.
