BOISE, Idaho — Idaho's 29th Governor Phil Batt died Saturday morning on his 96th birthday.
Batt was born on March 4, 1927, in Wilder and was Idaho's governor from 1995 to 1999. He previously served as the 35th Lieutenant Governor of Idaho.
Batt attended Wilder High School and continued his education at the University of Idaho where he studied chemical engineering. He later served in World War II in the Army Air Force.
Idaho News 6’s Don Nelson sat down with Batt in September 2021, when he shared his love for Jazz and spoke about his new book at the time: “Lucky: the Wit and Wisdom of Governor Batt.”
Current Governor Brad Little reacted to the news, calling Batt the epitome of a public servant, making note that Batt also served as Lieutenant Governor and senator, saying, “his legacy is distinguished by his unrelenting human rights leadership, fiscal conservatism, and love of Idaho."
Little ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings and facilities immediately and they will remain lowered until the day of Batt’s internment which will be announced later.
Batt’s Birthday and death day also mark Idaho's established U.S. territory anniversary in 1863.
