Former Washington Governor Dan Evans has died at the age of 98

SEATTLE — Former Washington State Governor Dan Evans died Friday at the age of 98.

Evans, a Republican, served as governor from 1965 to 1977 and as senator from 1983 to 1989. Evans also represented the state's 43rd legislative district in the Washington State House of Representatives before running for governor and served as president of the Evergreen State College before becoming a U.S. senator.

Evans retired from politics in 1988 and returned to higher education, where he served on the Board of Regents of the University of Washington (UW).

“Governor Evans' lifelong 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 for his example of principled leadership. We are proud to count him among our alumni, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him,” UW President Ana Mari Cauce said in a statement about his death.

Evans grew up in Seattle before joining the U.S. Navy during World War II. He went on to earn bachelor's and master's degrees in civil engineering from UW. Early in his engineering career, he helped 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 had an extraordinarily full life,” Evans' sons said in a statement. “Whether he was serving in public office, working to improve higher education or mentoring aspiring public officials, he just kept getting involved in things until the end. He touched many lives. And he did it without sacrificing family. We all have precious 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 it was hard for him to lose her. We are deeply grateful to all the friends and family who have taken the time to contact Dad in the months since her passing.”