Former Republican State Senator John Andreason died at his Boise home Monday, family members said.
He was 88. He was diagnosed with liver cancer earlier this year.
Andreason spent 43 years in public service.
While living in Arco, he served as a State senator from 1969 to 1970.
The following year, he became director of the Legislative Budget Office -- a position he held until 1994.
Then, he returned to the Legislature in 1995, representing District 15 (West Boise). He retired from public life in 2012.
U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) called Andreason “a real champion.” “Vicki’s and my thoughts and prayers go out to the Andreason family. John was a colleague, but more importantly, he was a good friend. He was reliable and loved Idaho. Our state has lost a real champion,” Risch said in a released statement.
Andreason is survived by two sons, a daughter, ten grandchildren and 23 great-children, according to his family.
Funeral services are pending.
