RENTON, Wash. — A memorial was held Tuesday for former Washington state Governor Mike Lowry.
Some of the state's most influential political leaders attended the service at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Renton.
Lowry, who also served in Congress for a decade, died May 1 following complications from a stroke. He was 78.
His memorial was attended by Governor Jay Inslee as well as former governors John Spellman, Christine Gregoire and Gary Locke, who says Lowry leaves an incredible legacy.
He was born in the tiny town of St. John, where his family homesteaded in 1882, before statehood. After serving in Congress until 1989, he twice lost races for the U.S. Senate.
He also served as a legislative aide, King County Council member and a staffer for nonprofit health care organization.
He decided to run for governor when the retirement of then-Gov. Booth Gardner opened up the post.
Lowry, a Democrat, was the state's 20th governor and served one term.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Cox Media Group
