Remembering Phil Batt

COEUR d'ALENE — When Alan Golub heard that Phil Batt had died Saturday, he went to work.

In words and pictures.

The Hayden artist created a mural from pictures of Batt. In one image he is grinning, that famous Phil Batt grin.

In another, he is playing the clarinet, an instrument he played very well.

In the center image, Batt is wearing an Army Air Corps Veteran cap, with images of eagles and his name etched in patches on his jacket.

The words embedded in the image say this: "In loving memory of a true Idahoan Governor Phil Batt. Born and died on Idaho Day, March 4, 1927 - 2023."

Golub, whose artwork has honored many he considered heroes, became an Idahoan under the term of Gov. Cecil Andrus in 1991. Batt was his second governor as a Idaho resident.

"I had the pleasure to meet Governor Batt on several occasions and have only wonderful memories of this great man," Golub wrote.

He said Batt loved Idaho "through and through."

"It is only fitting that he would enter and leave this world on Idaho Day," Golub wrote.

Several Idahoans shared a few thoughts about the former governor.

John Goedde, who served in Idaho's Senate representing District 4 for more than 10 years, said he had great respect for Batt, who served as governor from 1995-1999.

It was a time when there was division, Goedde said, but it was not as divisive as today.

He said Batt had "the ability to see an issue from multiple sides and find a solution that would be acceptable to most people."

Goedde said Batt had a very dry wit.

"He always had a retort when it was needed, and he played a great clarinet," Goedde said.

Jane Freund wrote that "Idaho has lost a class act with the passing of former governor Phil Batt. He was an amazing public servant and statesman who put Idaho before party."

Christa Hazel of Coeur d'Alene said she met Batt when she was at the University of Idaho and ended up volunteering for his campaign in Latah County.

"He just had this way about him, where you wanted to spend more time with him," Hazel said.

She said Batt's politics were not based on fear, but on respect.

"He listened. You really felt like he listened," Hazel said.

Batt put Idaho first and was willing to work with those with different political views, she said.

"You immediately know the kind of Republican you're dealing with," Hazel said. "I really liked that about Phil Batt."

She noted that Batt took office following the popular Cecil Andrus, a Democrat.

Hazel said Batt made a smooth transition to office and led by example.

"I would also say we were a stronger Idaho back then," she said.

Hazel said Batt always had a fun quip, and usually there was a joke about being an onion farmer.

"He always had a twinkle in his eye," she said.

Even after Batt left politics, just knowing he was still in Idaho gave Hazel comfort.

"It's sad to know a leader I respected is not here holding guard," she said.