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Former Virginia Governor Gerald Baliles dead at 79

Posted at 10:42 AM, Oct 29, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-29 18:34:31-04

RICHMOND, Va. -- Gerald L. Baliles, who served as Governor of Virginia from 1986 - 1990, died Tuesday, his family confirmed. Baliles was 79 years old.

"As the 65th Governor of Virginia, he understood and valued the role government can play in improving citizens’ lives. He transformed Virginia’s transportation infrastructure, signed Virginia into the Chesapeake Bay agreement under which we still operate today, and focused on expanding access to higher education, among many other accomplishments," Virginia Governor Ralph Northam said in a statement. "Governor Baliles fought for rural Virginians, promoted civil discourse, and was the epitome of a true public servant. While his accomplishments in office were, and remain, impressive, I will miss him for the kind ear and the sound advice he was always willing to give to me. Pam and I send our deepest sympathies to his wife, children, and loved ones."

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. The Virginia state flag will be flown at half-staff for next 30 days to honor Governor Baliles' memory.

Before he was elected Governor of Virginia in 1985, Baliles - a Democrat - served as Attorney General of Virginia.

He was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1976 - 1982.

Last month, his family announced Baliles had entered palliative care.

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