Idaho Democrats are remembering the life and legacy of Bruce Sweeney, a longtime Democratic legislator and Lewiston community leader who died of cancer on Tuesday, August 18.  A memorial service for Sweeney is set for 11 a.m. Monday, August 24, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 920 8th Avenue, Lewiston.

Update, August 25: A remembrance of Sweeney by Idaho Statesman columnist Dan Popkey can be read here, and you'll find a link to the subscription-only Lewiston Tribune story about his funeral there, too.

Sweeney was elected to the Idaho House in 1970 and served two terms. After a break from the Legislature in which he served on the Lewiston School Board and as chairman of the Nez Perce Democratic Party, he ran for the Idaho Senate in 1982 and served until 1998, including several terms as Democratic Leader. At the time of his death at age 77, he was serving his second term on the Idaho Transportation Board.

“Bruce was an important figure in our community, and a statesman more than a politician,” said Rep. John Rusche of Lewiston, who currently serves as Idaho House Minority Leader. “While skilled in his role as Senate Democratic Leader, he kept the welfare of our community and of the state foremost in his mind.  I have had opportunity to call on him and talk, about transportation issues and about being a minority leader in the Idaho Legislature.  He gave much to us, and we will miss him.”

“Bruce was one of those rare individuals to whom it made no difference where you worked, how you were dressed, or your place in the community,” said District 7 Rep. Liz Chavez of Lewiston.  “He was kind to everyone, listened when you were talking, and gave a helping hand more times than most of us will ever know. He, Mike Mitchell and others paved the way for me to continue that legacy of public service for Nez Perce County, and he will be missed.”

Jim Hansen, executive director of the Idaho Democratic Party and a former member of the Idaho Legislature, recalled that his top memory of Sweeney was when the two Democrats – he in the House, Sweeney in the Senate - worked together with the National Rifle Association to carry Idaho’s concealed weapons bill.  “He exemplified that kind of bipartisan hard work, and he developed a deep reservoir of respect among all his colleagues,” Hansen said. “He kind of reminds me of President Obama, as someone who is constantly reaching out. He was true to his principles, but always willing to work with the other side.”

Idaho Democratic National Committeewoman Gail Bray, who served in Legislative leadership with Sweeney during the 1980s, remembered his generous, civic-minded spirit and the way he continually kept in touch with people from throughout the many chapters of his life. In July, Bray and her family went on a trip with Sweeney to Washington State’s San Juan Islands. Even then, in the final stages of bone cancer, he wanted to be sure everyone had a good time. “We were dear friends and Chris loved him as much as I did,” she said.

Congressman Walt Minnick also paid tribute to the late legislator and lifetime public servant. “Bruce Sweeney was well-known for his leadership – in the military, on the school board, as a runner, track coach and official, as a legislator and as a member of the Idaho Transportation Board,” Minnick said in a statement made Tuesday night. “Although his leadership reached far beyond his home, Bruce’s pragmatic, bipartisan approach was rooted in the values of central Idaho. His deep commitment to the community of Lewiston is a reminder that time in elected office is but a stepping stone to time spent in service as a citizen. I am proud to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home in Lewiston is handling arrangements for Sweeney’s memorial service. Click here for his obituary in the Lewiston Tribune.