Washington residents were saddened last week when former Republican Sen. and Gov. Dan Evans died at the age of 98. 

According to The Hill, the University of Washington announced that Evans had passed away at his home in Seattle on Friday evening.

Evans hailed as "one of Washington state's most distinguished leaders"

Jodi Sandfort serves as dean of the Evans School, and she put out a statement remembering the late politician, who had once been a University of Washington a regent.

"Daniel J. Evans, former Washington state governor, legislator, college president, U.S. senator and our school’s namesake, will forever remain one of Washington state's most distinguished leaders," Sandfort declared.

"He taught us that deep listening and coalition building to balance legitimate, but conflicting, political views was central to the political process," she added.

The Hill pointed out that Evans was the first Washington governor to be elected to three terms in office, a feat which has only been repeated by current Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee.

Inslee: Residents "can feel fortunate" for Evans' legacy

"It's difficult to think of another Washingtonian who ever had such a positive impact in so many realms as Dan Evans," Inslee said in a statement posted to social media.

It’s difficult to think of another Washingtonian who ever had such a positive impact in so many realms as Dan Evans.

We all, no matter our party, can feel fortunate for the progress he led during each of his three terms as governor. https://t.co/yiudQ74yP3

— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) September 21, 2024

"We all, no matter our party, can feel fortunate for the progress he led during each of his three terms as governor," Inslee went on to stress.

Evans was first elected as Washington's governor in 1965 and continued to lead the state until 1973. During his tenure he established Colorado's Department of Ecology.

He then went on to successfully run for a Senate seat in 1983 but chose not to seek reelection when his term concluded in 1989.

Evans' sons say that their father "touched a lot of lives"

The Associated Press reported that prior to his first gubernatorial run, Evans was elected as state lawmaker in 1956 following a career as a civil engineer.

His sons Dan Jr., Mark, and Bruce Evans explained to The Seattle Times that their father had "lived an exceptionally full life" and "touched a lot of lives."

"Whether serving in public office, working to improve higher education, mentoring aspiring public servants … he just kept signing up for stuff right until the end," they recalled.