Three-term former Washington Governor Dan Evans dies at 98

SEATTLE - Governor Dan Evans has died at the age of 98. Community members, political leaders, and other local officials are remembering his long career in Washington and national politics.

Former Governor Dan Evans speaks to other guests during a Celebration of Life event for former Governor Mike Lowry, who died earlier this month, May 31, 2017, at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Renton. (Genna Martin, seattlepi.com) (Photo by GENNA MA

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Evans was born in Seattle and attended Roosevelt High School in 1943 before entering the United States Navy. He attended the University of Washington upon his return from service and began his political career in 1956.

To this day, he is the youngest person elected governor of Washington. In 1964, he won his election at the age of 36. He later served in the United States Senate from 1983-1989.

Throughout his career, education and the environment were among his key issues. In office, he expanded the community college system and helped create the North Cascades National Park along with the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area.

(Original Caption) Seattle, Washington: Governor Dan Evans of Washington (left) presents a huge King Salmon to President Gerald Ford on his arrival at Boeing Field here, September 4. The President is here to join six of his top domestic officials in

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Sitting Governor Jay Inslee statement

"It’s difficult to think of another Washingtonian who ever had such a positive impact in so many realms as Dan Evans. We all, no matter our party, can feel fortunate for the progress he led during each of his three terms as governor," the governor posted to X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday afternoon.

University of Washington statement

The University of Washington released a statement Saturday afternoon, noting accomplishments of the state's youngest-elected governor following his death on Friday, September 20:

"Daniel J. Evans, former Washington state governor, legislator, college president, U.S. senator and our school’s namesake, will forever remain one of Washington state’s most distinguished leaders," said Jodi Sandfort, dean of the Evans School. "He taught us that deep listening and coalition building to balance legitimate, but conflicting, political views was central to the political process."

Current candidates for Washington governor respond

Former Congressman Dave Reichert (R)

Dan Evans served Washington as governor for three terms, from 1965-1977. Fellow republican, and current candidate for governor, Dave Reichert posted to X (formerly Twitter) upon hearing the news.

"I am saddened by the news that Governor Dan Evans has passed. Dan was a guiding light for those of us in service who sought to work with others, regardless of ideology or party, to get things done for Washingtonians.

Keeping Washington clean, green, and pristine was a passion for Governor Evans and I was honored to work with him during my time in Congress to preserve our natural beauty for future generations. He was a titan of Washington politics and will be greatly missed. My prayers are with his family as they mourn this tremendous loss," said Dave Reichert.

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson (D)

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a Washington legend: former Governor Dan Evans. Evans was more than a Senator, Governor, and civic leader; he was a Washingtonian, always putting the people, places, and institutions of his state ahead of political party and personal ambition. His legacy is seen today in the forests and mountains he helped protect, in the communities and economies he helped prosper, and in his beloved University of Washington, which he helped transform into a global higher education leader.

"The term ‘Dan Evans Republican’ became shorthand for his style of leadership– moderate, pragmatic, and always putting the interests of Washington first. I grew up with parents who were truly in this mold, hosting fundraisers for Evans early in his career and true believers in his approach. I learned from them– and from him– many of the values I have sought to bring to my own public service.

"We mourn his loss as a state, but know that in his decades of dedication and service to the people of our state, he leaves a durable foundation. We are grateful not only for Dan Evans’ leadership, but the way he led. Our thoughts are with his family as we reflect upon and celebrate his innumerable accomplishments for the people of Washington state."

(Original Caption) A Governor With Troubles. Olympia, Washington: Governor Dan Evans, pictured with his family recently, expects to win the keynote speaker's laurels for the Republican National Convention. But he is haunted by the political paradox o

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Senator John Braun

"We are all here standing on the shoulders of a giant in Washington state history. Governor Evans was a stellar example of good old fashioned government who strove for the best interests of the people in everything he did. In today’s politicized age, his example will be sorely missed," Sen. Braun said in a statement Saturday afternoon.

Government institutions and offices

Office of King County Executive Press Secretary Amy Enbysk released the following statement to media partners on the afternoon of September 21.

"Governor and Senator Dan Evans stands among a circle of the greatest Washingtonians of all time. He was a thoroughly dedicated public servant - a three-term Republican Governor who fought for a progressive tax system, supported women’s bodily autonomy, worked to welcome refugees fleeing war and oppression, and was a true champion of the environment. Permanent, living tributes include the Daniel J. Evans Wilderness in the Olympic Mountains and the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington. Dan Evans’ legacy of service will endure."

Wider Washington community members

Others remembered Gov. Evans for his service in the military and United States senate, as an Eagle Scout, and former staff member of Camp Parsons.

"Governor Dan Evans, Eagle Scout and long term Camp Parsons staff member died today. He was a great man and a friend to Scouting and Camp Parsons. He will be missed," said Mike McNellis.

This is a developing story and will be updated as communities across the state learn of the passing of Gov. Evans.