Utah lawmaker Ralph Okerlund has died, state officials say
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Utah lawmaker Ralph Okerlund, of Sevier County has passed away, according to Utah state officials. He was 72 years old.
Okerlund served in state Senate District 24 from 2009 to 2020, which covers southern Utah County and the Sanpete Valley area. Okerlund served as Chair of the Senate Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment Committee during 2019 and 2020. From 2013 to 2018, he served as the Utah State Senate majority leader.
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Okerlund sponsored a bipartisan bill that increased the number of psychiatry medical residents selected by the University of Utah Health Sciences, according to Billtrack. The bill also created a grant program to produce a certification in child and adolescent behavioral health primary care.
Okerlund received his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Utah in 1973, after receiving an associate’s from the former Dixie State College, now Utah Tech University.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox took to X, formerly Twitter, to make a statement on his passing.
Former Sen. Ralph Okerlund represented the best of rural Utah. He dedicated his life to public service with a focus on rural economies, education and public lands. Sen. Okerlund was an exceptional legislator, and an exceptional man. Abby and I mourn this loss, and send our prayers to his loved ones.”
Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox
Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams also took to social media to express his sympathy for Okerlund’s wife and family.
I’m deeply saddened by the passing of a cherished colleague, former Sen. Ralph Okerlund. He dedicated his life to serving the state, tirelessly advocating for Utah’s rural communities and becoming a trusted friend to many.
Throughout his tenure, he introduced over 100 bills, with more than 75% passing. He championed prudent water use, supported environmentally friendly development of natural resources and fostered economic growth that we are still benefiting from today.
His legacy of service and kindness will be remembered by all who had the privilege to know him. My prayers are with his wife, Cindy, and their three children during this difficult time.”
Utah Senate President J. Stuart Adams
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