Stewart Udall
Stewart Udall, a former interior secretary and U.S. representative, died Saturday at age 90 at his home in Santa Fe. Here are a collection of statements released following his passing.
From the Udall family, released by the office of Udall’s son, U.S. Sen. Tom Udall:
“Former Interior Secretary Stewart Lee Udall, 90, father of Senator Tom Udall, D-N.M., passed away peacefully this morning at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, surrounded by family.
“Following a fall last week, Udall, who had been in failing health, was confined to his bed and died of natural causes.
“Stewart Udall was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Erma Lee Udall. He is survived by their six children; Tom, Scott, Lynn, Lori, Denis and Jay, and their families, including eight grandchildren.
“A ‘Celebration of Life’ memorial will be held later this year in Santa Fe. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the following organizations: Santa Fe Pro Musica, Santa Fe Conservation Trust, and Think New Mexico.
“Stewart L. Udall was born in St. John’s, Arizona on January 31, 1920 to former Arizona Supreme Court Justice Levi S. Udall and Louise Lee Udall. He attended the University of Arizona where he earned undergraduate and law degrees.
“During World War II, Stewart served four years in the United States Air Force as a gunner. He flew fifty missions over Western Europe for which he received the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters.
“In 1954, Stewart was elected to serve Arizona’s second district in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was elected to serve four terms in the Congress.
“In 1960, he proved instrumental in helping persuade Arizona Democrats to support then-Senator John F. Kennedy during the Democratic Nomination Convention. Upon election in 1960, President Kennedy appointed Stewart Udall Secretary of Interior, where his accomplishments under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson made him an icon in the environmental and conservation communities.
“Legislative achievements from Secretary Udall’s cabinet career include The Wilderness Act of 1964, The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the expansion of the National Park System and the creation of The Land and Water Conservation Fund.
“Until his passing, Stewart Udall continued his devotion to public service as an author, historian, scholar, lecturer, environmental activist, lawyer and citizen of the outdoors. He was the last surviving member of President Kennedy’s original cabinet.”
From President Barack Obama:
“For the better part of three decades, Stewart Udall served this nation honorably. Whether in the skies above Italy in World War II, in Congress or as Secretary of the Interior, Stewart Udall left an indelible mark on this nation and inspired countless Americans who will continue his fight for clean air, clean water and to maintain our many natural treasures. Michelle and I extend our condolences to the entire Udall family, who continue his legacy of public service to this day.”
From Gov. Bill Richardson, who also ordered that flags be flown at half-staff:
“Stewart Udall was a giant in conservation and the father of America’s wilderness and national park system. The Udall family, led by Stewart, symbolized a new environmentally conscious West.”
From U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján:
“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of former Interior Secretary Stewart Udall. Secretary Udall was a great American and a great New Mexican whose legacy is visible throughout our country. Throughout his long and distinguished career in public service, Secretary Udall worked tirelessly to stand up for the people whose voices were otherwise not heard and to protect resources that will serve us for years to come. Secretary Udall’s compassion and pragmatism are a model for all, and his actions left a legacy that we will remember and honor for generations. My thoughts and prayers are with Secretary Udall’s family at this difficult time.”
From U.S. Rep. Martin Heinrich:
“It was with great sadness that I learned of Stewart Udall’s passing. His public service and his leadership were truly an inspiration to me. Stewart Udall will never be forgotten, as his legacy is all around us in our National Parks and public lands.”
From U.S. Rep. Harry Teague:
“Secretary Stewart Udall was a man who faithfully served his country. A veteran and dedicated public servant, his contributions to the people of our state will live on as we continue his work to protect our public lands and enjoy the benefits of our wilderness areas and National Parks. My condolences go out to the entire Udall family who, for decades, have dedicated their lives to public service and the American people.”
From Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman Javier Gonzales:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Secretary Udall’s family. New Mexicans and Americans alike were truly blessed to have had such an extraordinary public servant stand up and work tirelessly for us on a daily basis. A once-in-a-lifetime leader, Secretary Udall’s impact on our state and our country will never be forgotten. In his memory, we will continue to fight for the beliefs he spent a lifetime advocating.”
From Think New Mexico, whose board Udall chaired:
“We are very saddened to report that Think New Mexico’s first and only board chairman, Stewart Udall, passed away this morning. He was a great statesman and iconoclast as well as an inspiring role model and mentor to the board and staff of Think New Mexico.”