Former Gov. Bruce King touched the lives of many New Mexicans during his three terms in office. Here are some statements from political figures who knew him:


"Bruce King would be the first one to tell us all that death is just another phase in the cycle of life and that we must go on with our lives trying to do the best we can while helping others make their way, too. None of us in the family thought this day would come so soon after we lost my mom, Alice King, but we are comforted by the thought that Bruce and Alice can be together once again." — Attorney General Gary King


"Gov. Bruce King's death leaves a huge void in our state. Bruce King was an innovative, far-sighted governor who knew the state better than any living New Mexican. He was as genuine and colorful as his cowboy boots. I can just hear him say, 'Mighty fine,' as he shook another hand." — Gov. Bill Richardson


"Whether Democrat, Republican or Independent, today is a day of mourning for all New Mexicans. We remember Governor King and his family in our thoughts and prayers." — Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairman Javier Gonzales


"Bruce was a public servant whose integrity was never questioned and who always did the right thing for New Mexico. As a result of his love for our state and the people who live here, he was great friends with many thousands of New Mexicans, and he will be missed by all of us." — U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman


"Gov. King was a true asset to the state and a role model for many. Gov. King was a governor of the people. He was always approachable, and he always reached out to the people of New Mexico with an open hand. Throughout his entire tenure in public service he remembered his roots and the people he served. He was a dear friend of my family and someone I deeply admired." — U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján


"Bruce King is and always will be a New Mexico icon, a man larger than life whose spirit cannot be measured. He was a family friend, my teacher, my mentor, and most truly New Mexico's cowboy in the Roundhouse. He was my father's friend and our families shared many years and memories together in public service." — Lt. Gov. Diane Denish


"Bruce King was a gentle political giant with a heart of gold. With Alice by his side, he dedicated his entire life to serving New Mexico, and together they instilled the same values in their children. I will always remember Bruce as true cowboy from Stanley who had the most generous spirit and always saw the best in people. In every level of government that he served New Mexico over several decades, Bruce King accomplished many great things. I personally learned a lot from his work and was happy to have him by my side once again at a backyard barbecue in Moriarty just last year." — U.S. Sen. Tom Udall


"He was truly one of a kind — a great governor and a wonderful man who used his homespun manner to demonstrate, and sometimes to hide, a razor-sharp mind and an amazing wit. Bruce was my generation's Will Rogers." — Former President Bill Clinton