Flags lowered statewide as Idaho honors former Governor Dirk Kempthorne’s life

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Former Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne, a longtime Republican leader who served Idaho in local, state, and national office, died Friday evening in Boise, his family said.

In a statement released after his death, Kempthorne’s family said he died “surrounded by those he loved most.”

“Beyond his public service, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose greatest joy came from time spent with family and the people he met along the way,” the family said. “He had a rare gift for truly seeing others — remembering names, stories, and the small details that made each person feel known and valued.”

The family said it is “heartbroken,” but also “deeply grateful — for the time we had with him and for the extraordinary outpouring of love and support we have received from across Idaho and the country.” The statement asked for privacy “as we grieve and celebrate his life together,” adding, “Please know how much your prayers, messages, and memories mean to us.”

Kempthorne served as the 30th governor of Idaho from 1999 to 2006 and represented Idaho in the U.S. Senate from 1993 to 1999. He later served as the 49th U.S. Secretary of the Interior from 2006 to 2009 under President George W. Bush.

Gov. Brad Little ordered the State of Idaho and U.S. flags lowered to half-staff to honor Kempthorne. Flags will remain lowered until the day after Kempthorne’s memorial service, which has not yet been determined.

In a statement, Little said he and his wife, Teresa, were “deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Governor Dirk Kempthorne,” noting their friendship dated back to college, when they took the same state government class.

Little highlighted Kempthorne’s public service, including his time as Boise mayor, his tenure in the U.S. Senate, and his work as governor. “As Governor, Dirk left an enduring mark on our state,” Little said. “With Patricia’s steadfast partnership, he championed children and families, strengthened public education, and led transformational investments in our transportation system that will benefit Idahoans for generations.”

Little also pointed to Kempthorne’s national roles, including serving as chairman of the National Governors Association and later as interior secretary. “In that role, he never lost sight of Idaho or the West,” Little said. “He understood the value of our lands and worked tirelessly to steward them with care and respect.”

Little said Kempthorne continued advocating for military members and veterans after leaving office, “most recently championing the USS Idaho Virginia-class submarine.” Little called it “especially heartbreaking” that Kempthorne was unable to attend the submarine’s commissioning “this weekend.”

“To Patricia, Jeff, Heather, and their families, Teresa and I extend our heartfelt condolences,” Little said. “We join all Idahoans in honoring and celebrating a life of remarkable service to our state and our nation. Dirk’s legacy will endure for generations, and he will be deeply missed.”

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson’s statement: “Dirk Kempthorne was one of Idaho’s most distinguished public servants and my dear friend of over 40 years,” said Rep. Simpson. “Dirk’s career was a testament to selfless dedication, from the halls of local government as Mayor and Governor to national service as Senator and Secretary. I join Idahoans today in mourning the loss of Dirk, but also feel immense gratitude for his decades of service, loyalty, and the lasting impact he has had on Idaho and America. I am grateful for Dirk’s service to our state and nation, as well as his friendship all these years. To Patricia, his wife, and their children, Kathy and I extend our deepest condolences. May he rest in peace.”