Washington state political figures from both sides of the aisle are mourning the loss of a longtime public servant who passed away on Friday.

Republican Dan Evans, who enjoyed three terms of governor of Washington followed by time in the U.S. Senate, died at the age of 98, prompting a deluge of tributes from those who admired his ability to work collaboratively regardless of party affiliation, as the Associated Press reports.

Long, distinguished career remembered

A prominent voice in Washington state politics for years, Evans was elected governor on three separate occasions.

However, working in government was not always part of Evans' life plan, as he initially worked as a civil engineer before seeking -- and winning -- election to the state legislature in the mid 1950s.

Evans went on to become governor in 1964, and while he was formally part of the Republican Party, he developed a reputation as a moderate -- sometimes even liberal-leaning -- member, placing particular emphasis on environmental issues during his career.

When he decided not to seek a fourth term as governor, Evans assumed duties as president of Evergreen State College while also remaining active in Republican Party leadership, with some suggesting him as a potential running mate for Gerald Ford in 1976.

Though he routinely made mention of his disdain for Washington, D.C., upon the death of Sen. Henry Jackson, Evans agreed to accept an appointment to finish out his term, though he did not subsequently seek election to the seat in his own right, citing the “tediousness” of political wrangling in the nation's capital.

Tributes pour in

Given his varied and dedicated life of service to his state, including as a member of numerous corporate boards and as a University of Washington Regent, it is no surprise that Evans' death has sparked a flood of glowing tributes and condolences.

As The Hill reports, Jodi Sandfort, dean of the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance at the University of Washington, said, “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.”

Current Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat, praised the late Republican leader, saying that it was difficult to name another figure in Washington who “had such a positive impact” and adding that everyone, “no matter our party, can feel fortunate for the progress he led during each of his three terms as governor.

KOMO News reported on the glowing reminiscences offered by others, with King County Executive Dow Constantine opining, “Governor and Senator Dan Evans stands among a circle of the greatest Washingtonians of all time.”

Current state Attorney General Bob Ferguson said, “Evans was more than a Senator, Governor, and civic leader; he was a Washingtonian, always putting the people, places, and institutions of his state ahead of political party and personal ambition.”

Family recalls a life well-lived

In a statement issued in the wake of their father's death, Dan Jr., Mark, and Bruce Evans recalled, “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,” lovingly noting that he did all those things “without sacrificing family.”

Evans was predeceased by his wife, Nancy Evans, who died early this year at the age of 90, and he leaves a legacy of service and integrity that future generations of Washingtonians would clearly do well to emulate.