Ed Mayne 1945-2007

I only knew Senator Ed Mayne for 45 days, yet it seems like I knew him forever.

Tragically Senator Mayne passed away yesterday at the age of 62, succumbing to lung cancer.

I am sure that there will be multiple tributes to come in the following days, and all of them were deserved. Senator Mayne was a true statesman, family man, and man of the people. No matter how impressive and truly heartfelt any commentary may be, it will still fall short of expressing how truly great of a man Ed Mayne was.

I remember the first time I talked to Senator Mayne, I was introducing myself to him to see if he needed anything for the upcoming legislative session. The conversation lasted for a good twenty minutes and covered everything from politics to what kind of music I liked.

As an intern for Senator Mayne during this past legislative session, I found myself continually awed by how great of a man Ed Mayne was. After discussing a bill that was doomed to fail he said to me a quote I will never forget:

I know it won't pass; but damn it, it is the right thing to do.

Senator Ed Mayne was the personification of all the right reasons people choose a life of public service. It was an honor to work for him, and I would have gone to the end of the world for him.

The people of the State of Utah have lost a great man. Senator Mayne, you will be missed.