Idaho Senate holds memorial service and adopts memorials for six former state senators
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
On Feb. 17, 2025, the Idaho State Senate held a memorial service in Boise and adopted memorials honoring six former state senators, recognizing their public service and inviting families to be recognized on the floor.
BOISE — The Idaho State Senate on Feb. 17, 2025, held a memorial service in the Senate chamber and formally adopted memorials honoring six former state senators who died since the previous session.
The memorials compiled brief biographies and legislative accomplishments and were read into the record before being adopted by voice votes. Family members of the deceased were asked to stand and were recognized on the floor.
Senators read memorials for Dennis Hansen; John Peavey; Daryl McRoberts; Bernie Rakoczi; Joyce McRoberts; and one additional memorial reading that the secretary filed in the journal. The memorials recorded each former senator's counties of representation, years of service and highlights from their public and private lives as presented on the floor.
Senator Harris opened the memorial for Dennis Hansen, recounting Hansen’s early life, service in the Legislature and later appointment to the Public Utilities Commission. Harris cited Hansen’s family and community involvement and quoted a phrase attributed to Hansen: “You can't put a price on memories.” After a brief period for other senators to speak, the chamber adopted the memorial by voice vote.
Senator Taylor presented the memorial for John Peavey, outlining his military service, work as a rancher and longtime public advocacy on water and conservation issues. Other senators, including Ward Engle King, added personal recollections and praise for Peavey’s legislative leadership.
Similar memorials for Daryl McRoberts, Bernie Rakoczi and Joyce McRoberts were read and adopted; speakers highlighted each senator’s public-service record, family, and community ties. The ceremony included brief musical and prayer presentations and invited family members to the floor for recognition.
The Senate secretary directed that the memorials be spread upon the Senate journal and that copies be mailed to the families as recorded in the proceedings.
The chamber recessed following the memorials for a reception offered to families and guests.