Idaho is getting ready to say goodbye to the late Governor and Secretary of the Interior Cecil Andrus.
"A lot of us are feeling a real sense of loss but also at the same time a sense of just a real sense of gratification for the people of Idaho and the outpouring of sympathy and regard they have displayed to the governor it's really been heartwarming," said Governor Andrus' former press secretary and chief of staff Marc Johnson.
Starting at noon on Wednesday, Andrus will lie in state at the Idaho Capitol building following a private funeral service at the Cathedral of the Rookies.
Andrus's friend and former Governor Phil Batt is expected to speak at the beginning of the Lying in State ceremony.
"Butch Otter was the Lieutenant Governor of course while Andrus was in office the last two terms and he and Phil Batt go back a long way and have an abiding friendship," said Johnson.
Andrus will lie in state till noon on Thursday. Friends and family also will share their words with the public during a public memorial service at the Jordan Ballroom Thursday at Boise State University's Student Union Building. Organizers say Andrus' former boss President Jimmy Carter won't be coming to Idaho for the services. Instead, the 92-year-old wrote a letter of condolences to his family, that letter will be shared during the public service.
"He is an elderly fellow and doesn't travel very much anymore he certainly sent his condolences," Johnson.
The public memorial service at Boise State begins at 2 pm. The university is expecting a large crowd and urges the public to car pool. Free Parking is available at the Lincoln garage. Private interment services will be held at Boise's Pioneer Cemetery on Warm Spring Avenue Friday.
