Former Idaho state Sen. John Andreason, R-Boise, who also was the longtime director of the Legislative Budget Office, died Monday night, the Idaho Statesman reports; he was 88. Andreason was the legislative budget director from 1971 to 1994, and represented West Boise’s District 15 in the Idaho Senate from 1995 to 2012. He also served a term in the Idaho Senate in 1969-70, prior to becoming budget director.

Andreason was diagnosed with liver cancer in August. He is survived by two sons, a daughter, 10 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; his wife, Darlene, died in 2015. You can read the Statesman’s full report here.

Idaho Sen. Jim Risch, who worked with Andreason for many years, issued this statement: “Vicki’s and my thoughts and prayers go out to the Andreason family. John was a colleague, but more importantly he was a good friend. He was reliable and loved Idaho. Our state has lost a real champion.”

Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo, a former Idaho Senate leader who also worked with Andreason, said, “Idaho’s prayers go out to the family of former Idaho State Senator John Andreason following his passing.  I remember his service in the Legislative Budget Office when I served in the Idaho Legislature.  He gave much to the people of Idaho—more than forty years of public service.”