Home Histories Index Family Group
Calvin L. Rampton
Calvin L. Rampton 1913 ~ 2007 Surrounded by children and grandchildren, Calvin
Lewellyn Rampton, Utah's 11th governor, passed away peacefully and without pain
the evening of September 16, 2007. We invite you to join us in celebrating his
remarkable life. Cal was born in Bountiful, Utah on November 6, 1913 to
Lewellyn S. and Janet Campbell Rampton. Following his graduation from
Davis High School in 1931 his plans for college were dramatically altered by his
father's sudden death. To support his mother, brother Byron and sister Virginia,
he took over the family's automobile business. The sale of this business in 1933
allowed him to enroll at the University of Utah from which he graduated in 1936.
Cal then attended George Washington Law School in Washington, D.C., where he
studied at night to allow him to work full time as administrative assistant to
Congressman J. Will Robinson. It was while in Washington that he met and fell in
love with his life-partner, Lucybeth Cardon. They were married in 1941. A move
back to Utah was followed by the birth of daughter Margaret (Meg). Their union
would ultimately yield three more children, Janet, Anthony (Tony) and Vince. The
onset of World War II would suspend family and professional responsibilities as
he served in Europe until the war's end as Chief of the Army Claims Commission
in Paris where he obtained the rank of major. He would ultimately become a full
colonel in the Army Reserve. Following the war, he returned to family and the
practice of law. His specialty of civil trial practice earned him a fellowship
in the International Academy of Trial Lawyers. Having contracted a chronic case
of the political virus, Cal's life became periodically punctuated with
candidacies as a Democrat for various political offices. These misadventures
uniformly ended in defeat until, in 1964, he was elected governor. His life
would never be the same. Progressive in his philosophy, pragmatic in his
approach, and compassionate in his manner, he soon enjoyed the admiration and
support of the electorate, and he was elected to and served three terms from
1965 to 1976. Education formed a cornerstone of his administrations. He believed
that the pathway to our future passes through the education of our young. His
competence was recognized far beyond the borders of Utah as he was entrusted
with numerous regional and national responsibilities, including heading up the
Education Commission of the States, the National Governors Conference, the Four
Corners Regional Council and Council of State Governments. Of perhaps greatest
satisfaction throughout his years of public service was his opportunity to share
with Lucybeth, measure for measure in their meaningful associations with the
people of the State of Utah. As to leisure, and notwithstanding a swing
that couldn't break an egg, Cal's great passion was golf. There was nothing that
he relished more than a game of golf with his cohorts at the Country Club,
followed by libations and a game of gin rummy. The Alta Club was his
choice for political dialogue with the Damned Old Democrats. He was also
an avid reader until eyesight failed, favoring biographies and mysteries.
Following his retirement from public office he returned to the practice of law
at Jones, Waldo, Holbrook and McDonough where he practiced until he was 75.
All in all it was a wonderful life. Cal was preceded in death by his wife
Lucybeth and daughter Meg. He is survived by daughter Janet Warburton, and
sons Tony (Irene) and Vince (Janice), 15 grandchildren and 10
great-grandchildren and counting. We would like to extend our warmest gratitude
to the caregivers at Care Source. They provided Dad with comfort, care and
dignity throughout his stay. Governor Rampton will lie in state at the
Governors Mansion, 603 East South Temple, on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007, from 12
noon to 4 p.m. Public is welcome. Services will be on Friday, September
21, 2007, 11 a.m. at Parley's LDS Stake Center, 1870 East Parley's Canyon Blvd.
The family will welcome friends and associates from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday
evening, September 20, 2007 at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, and one
hour prior to services on Friday at the stake center. In lieu of flowers
we would suggest contributions to KUED or the charity or educational institution
of your choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at
www.larkinmortuary.com
Published in the Deseret News from 9/19/2007 - 9/20/2007.