Former Colorado Gov. Richard Lamm dead at 85

Former Colorado Gov. Richard Lamm (D) has died at the age of 85, his family announced Friday.

“He would have turned 86 next Tuesday but passed away yesterday evening surrounded by his family, following complications from a pulmonary embolism earlier in the week,” his wife, Dottie Lamm, said in a statement, Colorado Public Radio reported.

Lamm served as governor of the state from 1975 to 1987, serving three terms in office.

“I’m very saddened to hear about the passing of former Governor Dick Lamm and send my condolences to Dottie and his entire family. I thank Governor Lamm for his service to the state of Colorado both as Governor and his many years teaching,” Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) said.

“Lamm took on tough issues, and he never shied away from civil political discourse and embraced collaboration. Gov. Lamm’s legacy and leadership will be remembered in our state’s history as well as his work to make Colorado an even more amazing place,” he added.

After Lamm left the governor’s office, he launched an unsuccessful Senate bid in 1992. He left the Democratic Party and ran for president with the Reform Party in 1996.

Lamm died the same day as former Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), the longest-serving senator in Michigan’s history, who died Thursday at the age of 87.