David Buhler, beloved Utah Republican and former higher education commissioner, dies at 67

Former Utah commissioner of higher education and longtime politician David Buhler has died. He was 67.

Buhler’s life was marked by a long career in public service. He led Utah’s higher education system for seven years, from 2012 to 2019. He was the executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce for four years and served on former Gov. Norm Bangerter’s staff.

He was also a prominent figure in Utah Republican politics, serving a dozen years as an elected official. His tenure included two terms on the Salt Lake City Council from 2000 to2007 and in the Utah Senate from 1995 to 1999. He also unsuccessfully ran twice for Salt Lake City mayor, losing to Dee Dee Coradini in 1991 and Ralph Becker in 2007.

Respect for Buhler crossed party lines, a markable achievement in the current overheated partisan political crucible.

“As a commissioner of higher education, a city councilman and state senator, Dave Buhler was a pillar of the community who was dedicated to public service,” Gov. Spencer Cox said in a statement Wednesday. “Abby and I are grateful for his friendship, his generosity and his commitment to our state. We send our deepest condolences to his family and offer prayers of gratitude for his life well lived.”

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Gov. Gary R. Herbert, speaks with Commissioner of Higher Education Dave Buhler at Silicon Slopes in Lehi following a partnership announcement with IT companies and education to create a pathway program to fill workforce needs in the stateÕs tech industry. (Francisco Kjolseth/)

Former Utah Republican Party Chairman Thomas Wright said he first met Buhler as he entered Beehive State politics.

“Since that time, he’s been a close friend, mentor and confidant,” Wright said. “His measured tone, deep love for country and devotion to public service will be a lasting legacy and inspiration for those of us he invested in.”

Former Democratic Congressman Ben McAdams said Buhler’s friendship and mentoring played a large part in his eventual career in politics.

“Dave became a mentor and encouraged my activism when I was a college student and has continued to mentor me at every opportunity since,” said McAdams. “Dave was a friend, mentor and advisor to three generations of Republican and Democratic activists and public servants. He leaves a lifetime legacy of public service and his loss will be widely felt.”

Ronald Fox, who has done advance trip planning for several Republican presidents, said he counted Buhler as a friend for more than three decades.

“Dave was a wonderful guy with an infectious laugh. I met him 32 years ago when I first came to Utah. He made a great impression then and we remained friends. He had a great mind and knew how to get things done,” Fox said.

[Al Hartmann | The Salt Lake Tribune] Utah Commissioner of Higher Education Dave Buhler rises his arm to show the neon bracelet seniors wear after completing online college application Wednesday November 12 at Kearns High School. Thirty Kearns High School seniors applied for state colleges as party of Utah College Application Week. (Al Hartmann/)

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said she was heartbroken to hear of Buhler’s passing.

“Dave represents all that is good in politics, education and community engagement,” Wilson said. “He put good government before party, was an incredible mentor to students and was a wise counsel on policy. And he did all of this with friendliness, cheer and a smile on his face.My thoughts are with Lori and the Buhler family at this time. Dave’s loss is a loss to all who knew him.”

Republican lobbyist Spencer Stokes said Buhler had “an encyclopedic knowledge of politics.”

“He was one of the few people in Utah you could have a deep conversation about government and politics with who strove to understand why things were happening,” Stokes said.

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Rep. Brian King, a state lawmaker and Democratic nominee for governor, says Buhler was a consituent of his and his death is a huge loss for the state.

“I first met him over 30 years ago. He was always smart, thoughtful, principled and committed to serving the public for the right reasons,” King said. “He was very much committed to public welfare over partisan politics.”

Former Senate Minority Leader Scott Howell reflected on his time with Buhler at Utah’s Capitol.

“He was friendly and always showed wonderful decorum. I loved badgering with him. I can see him in my mind right now,” Howell said with a laugh. “I really enjoyed that experience. That’s the way politics should be.”

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Dave Buhler, Commissioner of Higher Education, left, is greeted by former Governor Jon Huntsman and his wife Mary Kaye following a conversation at the Hinckley Institute of Politics on the University of Utah campus on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019, to discuss his long career in public service spanning from Utah's Governor's Mansion to Chinese and Russian ambassadorships and examine the increasing significance Utah plays in our globalized world. (Francisco Kjolseth/)

Utah Democratic Party Executive Director Thom DeSirant said he was saddened by news of Buhler’s passing.

“His long-standing dedication to public service and his significant contributions to Utah’s educational system have left an indelible mark on our community. David’s work as Commissioner of Higher Education and his tenure in various public offices demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the betterment of our state,” DeSirant said in a statement.

He is married wife Lori and was a father to five children. Their son Matthew Buhler died in 2009.

This story is breaking and will be updated.

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