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Utah Senate honors retiring lawmakers with citations and family tributes
Summary
The Utah State Senate on March 2 read official citations and presented gifts to several retiring senators, including John P. Holmgren, Alaric Marine and Blase Wharton. Colleagues recalled decades of service, family support and legislative contributions.
The Utah State Senate opened its March 2 session by honoring multiple longtime members with official citations and family presentations, recognizing their decades of public service.
Chief Clerk Carolee Peterson read an official citation for Senator John P. Holmgren, recounting his service representing Senate District 24 and his committee work on water, transportation and human services. Colleagues rose to praise Holmgren—s knowledge and steady leadership; Holmgren responded, "I certainly want to take a moment and just say thank you. It's been a real honor to serve in here." (statement on the floor)
The chamber then read a citation for Senator Alaric Marine, noting his background in agriculture and ranching and his lengthy committee service. Later tributes recognized Marine—s calm presence in debate and his commitment to constituents.
Senators also presented a citation for Blase ("Blaze") Wharton, lauding his advocacy for labor, children and vulnerable populations and recalling his long record of service. Wharton accepted colleagues— remarks with characteristic humor and gratitude.
Several senators and family members spoke from the floor, offering personal recollections and family remarks that were incorporated into the official citations. The floor presentations emphasized continuity of institutional memory and thanked spouses and staff for their support.
The recognitions concluded as the Senate returned to its legislative calendar, with the citations to be entered into the official record and gifts distributed to honored families.
