Summary

Councilmember Dunn shared fond and proud memories of former U.S. Sen. Slade Gorton after it was announced that Gorton died at age 92 on Wednesday.

Story

King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn issued the following statement after learning Wednesday of the passing of former U.S. Sen. Slade Gorton at 92:

“Slade Gorton was a political giant whose magnanimity shone through until his final days. He was one of the greatest minds to have ever served Washington State in elected office, and the significance of his life’s work will be felt long beyond his time on earth.

“Though Slade had many causes that could be mentioned, I will always remember him for being instrumental in preserving the Mountains to Sound Greenway for future generations. He was also a longtime friend and political ally of my mom, former Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn. If you trace back my family lineage, we share an ancestor by the name of Samuell Gorton, who first brought the Gorton family to America—making him and my mother distant cousins as well as political colleagues. I will always appreciate Slade’s role in my family’s life.

“As a mentor to many and supporter of countless causes, the loss of Slade will be felt by many — but he will live on through the strength of his legacy. He will be greatly missed, and impossible to forget.”