Here, Idaho, are your stories about meeting Cecil Andrus

Friday was a day of swapping stories about former Gov. Cecil Andrus, among Idaho’s best-known and most beloved political figures, who died Thursday afternoon at age 85.

Here are some that readers and others shared with us.

Shea Andersen: So my mom visited Boise, and we took my dog, a big black lab with a bottomless gut, for a walk. We wandered by Gov. Andrus’ house, which has a great view, and apparently we were right there at feeding time for his dog. My dog heard the sound of dog food hitting the bowl and bee-lined right for the governor’s open garage where his dog was eating. Next thing I saw was one of Idaho’s greatest governors marching out, hauling my dog by the collar in an iron grip. Laughing the whole way. “Son, you ought to get a better leash or feed this guy more often,” he said, barely able to stop laughing. He introduced himself to my mom, who was completely charmed, and says to me: “I hope you’re taking your mother out for a nice dinner, fella.” “Who was that?” my mom asked. “Well, he used to be our governor.” “I’d vote for him ANY time,” mom said.

Jesse Taylor: I had the great fortune to meet Cece when I was in a high school leadership conference here in Boise. As a young man from a rural Southeast Idaho community, I thought my options in politics was bleak. Andrus and Ben Ysursa both took time to counsel a young boy interested in politics and to convince me that I had the wrong impression. Feels fitting that I just moved my lobbying firm ... into his firm’s old office space. It was always good to see Gov. Andrus around town. He was always good for a quip or some clever words about politics or even my career as a lobbyist.

Lynn Homes: When I was a volunteer at the Red Cross, then located at 6th and Main streets, there was a state employee blood drive. The line of people wrapped around the block. Gov. Andrus was about a block or so out. Security noticed the governor and wanted to bring him directly in. Cecil Andrus simply stated that he, too, was a state employee and he could wait his turn like everyone else. He was not more important, he was an equal. I was 13 at the time. I volunteered for every campaign after that. A humble and a great man.

Statesman reporter Anna Webb: Cecil was my dad’s fly-fishing buddy. I loved to come home and see his big black car in our driveway with its license plate, “1.”

Lori Maxwell: He was such a kind man and always had time for a few words and a laugh. He told me once that he was happy to meet a Democrat out of Twin Falls County because he didn’t know any existed. He will be greatly missed.

Meghan Murphey Lilly: He was a very caring governor. I was up at the capital for 4-H know your government with other people. He came over to us and took the time to show us around and explain everything and not deal with the media. He showed so much respect for us; I thought that was so nice. Usually people like that would brush us off and say they had to go or they were busy. He will be missed a lot in the state of Idaho. RIP, sir, and thank you for serving the wonderful state of Idaho.

Sheryl Simon: I once was on a flight with Governor Andrus. Everyone on our Boise-bound plane was greeting him with smiles and greetings all along the aisle! If I remember correctly, we all applauded.

This story was originally published August 25, 2017 at 6:55 PM with the headline "Here, Idaho, are your stories about meeting Cecil Andrus."