Former Utah governor Calvin L. Rampton was a giant of a man and a beloved associate who leaves behind a "heritage of honor and a legacy of love."
Those were words of tribute offered by President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency, at Gov. Rampton's Sept. 21 funeral in Salt Lake City. A Church member and a popular three-term leader of the Beehive State, Gov. Rampton died Sept. 16. He was 93.
"Wherever I go in this wonderful, beautiful world, a part of Cal Rampton goes with me," President Monson said. "He was an outstanding teacher and I was a faithful student.... God bless his memory. God bless his family."
The morning service was held at the Salt Lake Parleys Stake Center and included music and messages from friends, family members and Utah Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve also shared memories of the venerable public servant he counted as a "dear friend."
President Monson spoke of accepting the governor's invitation to serve on the Utah State Board of Regents. Through that assignment and other associations, President Monson said, he came to recognize Governor Rampton as a compassionate man of goodwill. "When he spoke, others listened and learned. He had a winning smile and the skill of a peacemaker."
The Church leader also paid tribute to Governor Rampton's late wife, Lucybeth Cardon Rampton. The Ramptons shared a marriage defined by fidelity, love and loyalty.
Speaking to the Rampton children and grandchildren, President Monson said their beloved father and grandfather lives on.
It's been written: "Here and there, and now and then, God makes a giant among men."
"And what a giant Cal Rampton was," President Monson said.
Elder Hales shared memories of being a teenager and developing a lasting friendship with Cal Rampton. The future governor was always inquisitive and respectful of young Robert Hales' opinions and thoughts.
"He was sincere, practical and caring," said Elder Hales. "Therein lies the essence of Cal Rampton — to honor and strengthen those he came in contact with during life's sojourn."
Elder Hales praised Gov. Rampton for his contribution to the people of Utah. "Governor Rampton devoted his life to public service and the building and strengthening of others who worked with him."
It was Elder Hales' "opportunity and pleasure" to learn from Gov. Rampton, he said.
"Goodbye, dear friend. May the spiritual winds be at your back as you journey to paradise and beyond and return to your Maker. Your legacy of caring and love will endure in each of us."
Gov. Huntsman, a Republican, praised his Democratic predecessor's ability to reach across party lines in an effort to improve Utah and its people. Gov. Rampton surrounded himself "with the best person — not the best partisan."
Other tributes were offered by the Rampton children — Janet Warburton, Tony Rampton and Vince Rampton — along with family friend Jack Gallivan and Bishop Mark O. Morris.
E-mail to: jswensen@desnews.com
