John Spellman, Governor And King County Executive, Dies At 91

SEATTLE, WA - John Spellman, the first King County Executive and the state's last Republican governor, died at age 91 on Monday night. Spellman served as executive between 1969 and 1980, when he was elected governor.

Spellman grew up in the Seattle area and graduated in 1949 from Seattle University. He served just one term as governor, losing to Democrat Booth Gardner in 1984.

Local and state politicians Tuesday mourned Spellman as a "rare" politician who valued bipartisanship.

“Governor Spellman’s passing marks the end of an era for Seattle, for our region, and for our great state. John was a public servant who loved our community," Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan said. "He could disagree with folks, but brought civility to our politics, and valued and embraced bipartisanship – something all too rare today. Among his many accomplishments, John helped pave the way for the Kingdome, helped bring our Mariners and Seahawks to Seattle, and protected our beloved Puget Sound from the threat of oil spills.”

"John Spellman’s legacy begins in the King County Courthouse, but can be felt throughout all of Washington. He was a trailblazer, and my family I were privileged to work with him closely over the years," King County Councilman Reagan Dunn said. "Our state is a better place because of his service."

CAPTION: Former Washington Gov. John Spellman, second from left, leaves a memorial service in Renton, Wash. Spellman, the last Republican governor elected in Washington, has died at age 91. Spellman’s son, Seattle attorney David Spellman, confirmed his death Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018.

Photo by Ted S. Warren/Associated Press