Legislators applaud members of the Gardner family sitting in the Senate gallery. (Photo courtesy of Legislative Support Services Photo Department)

Olympia paid its final tributes to the late Gov. Booth Gardner Friday with a special joint session of the Legislature in the Senate chambers where the former two-term Democratic governor once served as a 30-something political newcomer.

Gov. Jay Inslee, Secretary of State Kim Wyman and other state officials and lawmakers from both parties heard testimonials of Gardner’s lifetime of service, his love of hamburgers, and his generosity and humanity.  As Gardner’s family listened from the gallery, the clerk read a tribute that both houses had adopted.

The event had the feel of a memorial service, with a Washington Youth Academy honor guard, patriotic and religious songs and a bagpipe offering by Rep. Hans Dunshee.  Flags were lowered to half-staff as the family watched from the governor’s balcony.

Gardner, a Weyerhaeuser heir who also served as the first Pierce County Executive, died on March 15 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 76.

A public memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on March 30 at the University of Puget Sound Fieldhouse in Tacoma.

Gov. Jay Inslee greets Secretary of State Kim Wyman as Treasurer Jim McIntire (middle) and Auditor Troy Kelley look on. (Photo courtesy of Legislative Support Services Photo Department)