Former Governor Bruce King dies

Posted at: 11/13/2009 9:15 AM | Updated at: 11/13/2009 7:02 PM
By: Reed Upton, KOB.com

Santa Fe County rancher Bruce King, who served three terms as governor of New Mexico, died Friday morning at his home in Stanley, New Mexico.  He was 85.

King, a towering figure in New Mexico politics over four decades, was with family when he died, according to the office of his son, New Mexico Attorney General Gary King.

King was preceded by the death of his wife Alice last year.

"None of us in the family thought this day would come so soon after we lost my mom Alice King, but we are comforted by the thought that Bruce and Alice can be together once again," the younger King is quoted saying in a release.

King served as speaker of the New Mexico House of Representatives in the late 1960s before being elected governor in 1970, defeating then Albuquerque City Commission Chairman Pete Domenici.

King, who was prevented from running for reelection because state law at the time didn't allow sequential terms, was again elected governor in 1978 and once more in 1990.

Governor Bill Richardson has ordered flags in the state to be flown at half staff until further notice in honor of King.  Funeral plans are pending.

 Notable New Mexicans offer their thoughts

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