Honoring a Legacy: Idahoans gather today to say final farewell to Former Governor Dirk Kempthorne

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idahoans are paying tribute this weekend to Dirk Kempthorne—the former Idaho Governor, U.S. Senator, and Boise Mayor—who passed away last month at the age of 74 following a battle with colon cancer.

On Saturday, May 16, the Idaho State Capitol rotunda will reopen for a final public viewing. Following the viewing, a formal procession will escort Kempthorne from the Capitol to the Cathedral of the Rockies in Boise, where a public funeral service is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be available to watch live via the Cathedral’s livestream in the player below.

Following the funeral, Kempthorne will be laid to rest at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise.

A Legacy of Public Service

Kempthorne passed away on Friday, April 24th, surrounded by his family. His death marks the loss of one of Idaho's most prominent modern political figures, whose career spanned municipal, state, and federal leadership.

Throughout his career, Kepmpthorne served as the mayor of Boise from 1986 to 1993 before being elected to the U.S. Senate from 1993 to 1999. He went on to become Idaho's governor, serving from 1999 to 2006. He later served as the 49th U.S. Secretary of the Interior from 2006 to 2009 under President George W. Bush.

Following the news of his passing, current state leaders released statements honoring Kempthorne’s enduring legacy and character.

“I will always remember Dirk’s generosity and warmth. He was thoughtful, gracious, and deeply committed to the people around him," said Governor Brad Little.