SEATTLE — Former Washington state Gov. Dan Evans died Friday. He was 98.
Evans, a Republican, served as governor from 1965 to 1977 and Senator from 1983 to 1989. Evans also represented the state's 43rd Legislative District in the Washington State House before his run for governor and as president of Evergreen State College before serving as U.S. Senator.
Evans retired from politics in 1988 and returned to higher education, serving on the University of Washington's (UW) Board of Regents.
“Governor Evans’ lifetime of public service embodied integrity, bipartisan collaboration and effective, humane policymaking that inspired generations of leaders through the Evans School of Public Policy and beyond. The University of Washington will always be grateful for his outstanding service as a Regent, volunteer, supporter and mentor, and the example he set for principled leadership. We are proud to count him as an alumnus, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.” UW President Ana Mari Cauce said in a statement on his passing.
Evans grew up in Seattle before joining the U.S. Navy during World War II. He went on to earn a bachelor's and master's degree at UW studying civil engineering. His early career as an engineer led him to help design what would become the Alaskan Way Viaduct.
Evans' wife Nancy died earlier this year. He is survived by his sons Dan Jr., Mark and Brunce and nine grandchildren.
“Dad lived an exceptionally full life,” Evans’ sons said in a statement. “Whether serving in public office, working to improve higher education, mentoring aspiring public servants, he just kept signing up for stuff right until the end. He touched a lot of lives. And he did this without sacrificing family. We all have treasured childhood memories of hiking, skiing, and traveling with Dad, which in hindsight is remarkable given the demands on his time. His loving partnership with Mom was truly special and we know losing her was tough on him. We deeply appreciate all the friends and family who took the time to reach out to Dad in the months since her passing.”
