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Senate honors retiring Sen. Rex Black with citation and chamber tributes
Summary
The Utah Senate held a committee-of-the-whole tribute to longtime Sen. Wilfred Rex Black Jr., presenting an official citation from the governor and remarks from colleagues recognizing his decades of service on transportation, veterans and state legislative matters.
The Utah Senate held a special order Feb. 26 to honor retiring Senator Wilfred Rex Black Jr., presenting an official citation from the governor and the full Senate and hearing tributes from colleagues.
President Beatty and many senators praised Black’s long tenure and institutional knowledge, noting his work on transportation, veterans' issues and legislative leadership roles. Senator Peterson said Black’s reading and command of bills set a standard for the chamber; Governor (unnamed) offered remarks acknowledging the senator’s service and asked the body to accept a citation.
Joanne read an official citation that memorialized Black’s career: his service in World War II, decades of labor and railroad work, leadership roles in credit unions, and nearly a quarter-century in the Legislature. Colleagues recounted personal memories and thanked Black and his wife Helen for their public service and hospitality.
Senator Black responded to the tributes, thanked colleagues, and reflected on the relationships formed during his legislative service. The Senate presented gifts, read the citation into the journal and invited family and guests to join the chamber for the ceremony.
The event was a ceremonial recognition rather than a policy session; senators described Black as a mentor, someone who read every bill carefully and a statesman respected across party lines.
