I don’t think I’ve had my breath taken away from news as quick as this did it. Senator Eddie has been an inspiration to me and I cannot fathom the size of the hole Eddie’s passing will cause in the lives of those who knew him.

Senator Mayne once teared up when we talked about dogs we’ve had that have died, and, from that moment on, my feelings for him changed from appreciation to adoration. Senator Ed was a kind, irreverent and compassionate man who spent his life doing hard work.

Senator Mayne’s work, from steel work, to Union work, to Senate work, was always dedicated work. When the legislature was in session, Senator Ed was always sitting at his desk on the floor of the Senate, not hiding in his office, available to everyone. I never saw anyone else do that.

I can’t count the pep-talks I got from Ed when my candidate was getting mangled in 2004. I can’t count how many times his up-beat attitude, even in anger, made the Republican Majority seem just a bit more beatable; our mission holy and blessed, even in frustration and minority vote counts.

I’ll miss you Ed. Thanks for your example, your kindness, and letting me hang around your office from time to time. You’ll always be one of the guys I use as an example when I teach my kids about civics, government and responsibility.

Say hello to your dogs for me.

State Sen. Mayne, ‘a true statesman,’ succumbs to cancer - Trib

Senator Mayne’s Senate Page - Utah State Senate

Longtime Utah legislator and labor activist Ed Mayne dies - DesNews

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