Former Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne, whose career in public service took him from Boise City Hall to the U.S. Senate to the White House Cabinet, passed away Friday evening in Boise surrounded by his family.

Gov. Brad Little ordered state and U.S. flags lowered to half-staff in his honor. Flags will remain lowered until the day following Kempthorne's memorial service, the date of which has not yet been announced.

"The family of Governor Dirk Kempthorne shares with deep sadness that he has passed away, surrounded by those he loved most," his family said in a statement. "Beyond his public service, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose greatest joy came from time spent with family and the people he met along the way. He had a rare gift for truly seeing others — remembering names, stories, and the small details that made each person feel known and valued."

The family asked for privacy as they grieve and said additional details would be shared in the coming days.

Gov. Little, who counted Kempthorne among his closest friends, reflected on a relationship that spanned decades.

"Teresa and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend, Governor Dirk Kempthorne," Little said in a news release. "Our friendship goes back to our college days, where Dirk and I shared the same state government class — an experience that helped set the course for a lifetime of public service for him."

Kempthorne's career in public service was remarkable in both its breadth and its impact. He served as Boise mayor, where Little credited him with helping change the trajectory of Idaho's capital city, before winning election to the U.S. Senate where he served with what Little described as "vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right."

As governor, Kempthorne championed children and families, strengthened public education and led what Little called transformational investments in Idaho's transportation system. He also served as chairman of the National Governors Association, elevating Idaho's voice on the national stage.

His public service reached its highest level when President George W. Bush selected him to serve as Secretary of the Interior — a role in which Little said Kempthorne never lost sight of Idaho or the West.

"He understood the value of our lands and worked tirelessly to steward them with care and respect," Little said.

Even after leaving public office Kempthorne remained active and engaged. He was a passionate advocate for the military and veterans and had worked tirelessly to support the commissioning of the USS Idaho Virginia-class submarine — an event scheduled for this weekend that he was unable to attend.

"It is especially heartbreaking that he was not able to attend its commissioning this weekend — a moment he worked so hard to make possible," Little said.

Those who knew Kempthorne remembered him not only for his accomplishments but for the warmth and humanity he brought to every interaction.

"I will always remember Dirk's generosity and warmth," Little said. "He was thoughtful, gracious, and deeply committed to the people around him."

His family echoed that sentiment.

"Our family is heartbroken, but we are also deeply grateful — for the time we had with him and for the extraordinary outpouring of love and support we have received from across Idaho and the country," the family statement read.

Little extended his condolences to Kempthorne's wife Patricia and their children Jeff and Heather and their families.

"We join all Idahoans in honoring and celebrating a life of remarkable service to our state and our nation," Little said. "Dirk's legacy will endure for generations, and he will be deeply missed."