Booth Gardner

Booth Gardner

Booth Gardner (August 21, 1936 – March 15, 2013) was an American politician who served as the 19th Governor of Washington, holding office from 1985 to 1993. A member of the Democratic Party, Gardner's tenure as governor was marked by his efforts to improve the state's education system, environmental policies, and health care.

Early Life and Education

Booth Gardner was born in Tacoma, Washington, into a wealthy family. He was the heir to the Weyerhaeuser fortune, one of the largest private timberland owners in the United States. Gardner attended the University of Washington, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. He later received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Harvard Business School.

Political Career

Gardner's political career began in the early 1970s when he was elected to the Pierce County council. In 1980, he was elected as the Pierce County Executive, where he served until his election as governor.

In 1984, Gardner ran for governor of Washington. He won the election by defeating the incumbent Republican governor, John Spellman, and was re-elected in 1988. During his governorship, Gardner focused on education reform, including the establishment of the Basic Education Act, which aimed to define basic education and ensure its funding. He also worked on environmental conservation, including efforts to clean up Puget Sound and improve state parks.

Gardner was known for his consensus-building leadership style, often working across party lines to achieve his objectives. After leaving office in 1993, he remained active in public affairs, advocating for assisted suicide and serving on various boards and commissions.

Later Life and Death

In his later years, Gardner was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, which led him to become a prominent advocate for death with dignity laws in Washington. He played a key role in the passage of Initiative 1000 in 2008, which legalized assisted suicide in the state.

Booth Gardner passed away on March 15, 2013, at the age of 76. His legacy is remembered for his contributions to the state of Washington in education, environmental policy, and end-of-life care.

Legacy

Gardner's tenure as governor is often cited for its focus on improving the quality of life in Washington state. His efforts in education reform, environmental conservation, and health care have had lasting impacts. The Booth Gardner Policy Center, named in his honor, continues to work on public policy issues in the state.