There are few who can remember the last time the Democrats controlled the Utah Legislature.
Cal Rampton can. He was there.
The now-senior statesman of the Democratic party, who turned 90 Friday, was in his last of three terms as governor when the Democrats lost control of the House in 1974. He watched the political tide shift, all the while speaking his mind and using humor with scalpel-like precision.
Nothing's changed.
According to Salt Lake Mayor Rocky Anderson, speaking at Rampton's birthday bash, the former governor lamented many years ago that the Utah House was the worst he'd ever seen.
"I meant that to apply to the present," Rampton quipped to rousing laughter.
As a birthday present, Anderson gave Rampton the keys to the city. "He's a giant of a governor and a giant of a man," he said.
Rampton served three full terms from 1965-77, making him Utah's longest serving governor. Even Gov. Mike Leavitt, who is reputed to be Utah's most popular governor, can't lay claim to that.
"People often say he was the best governor ever. He cared about us," said his daughter, Janet Warburton.
Gov. Olene Walker echoed similar sentiments. And she dished out some of the humor Rampton is best known for.
"I truly marvel at Cal's three terms serving Utah so well," she said. "Regardless of the fact he's a Democrat, I consider Cal a friend."
"By the way, Cal, there are easier ways to become governor," Walker added, referring to her ascension to the position through Leavitt's resignation with 14 months left in his term.
Rampton sat with his wife of 64 years, Lucybeth, while family and friends told stories of the 90-year-old at a party held at Jones Waldo Holbrook and McDonough.
Longtime friend and business partner Don Holbrook said, "Cal has the charisma of Kennedy, the dedication of Eisenhower, the wisdom of Churchill and the goodwill of Sir Galahad."
After serving as governor, Rampton went to work as an attorney for Jones Waldo. He uses a walker now, but still manages to make an appearance.
"I come down to the office three times a week, open the mail, and go to the Alta Club for lunch," Rampton said. "I enjoy myself."
E-mail: donna@desnews.com