Birth date: Apr 23, 1938 Death date: Aug 9, 2024
Steven D. Symms - Remembering a Legacy Former United States Senator Steven D. Symms passed away on August 9, 2024, at his Virginia home, surrounded by his family. Born on April 23, 1938, in Nampa, Idaho, Steve was the son of Read Obituary
So sad to hear of Steve's passing. Played golf with him many times and enjoyed talking about his political adventures. The Man was a great part of the History of this country with so many virtues missing from our politicians today. Rest in Peace my friend!
I dont remember much, but met Steve in the 70's. Thru my parents, Jack and Jan Raymond of Caldwell, ID.
We will miss Steve. RIP STEVE. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DID.
Thoughts and prayers 🙏 are with your loved ones.
Sincerely,
Jack and Mary Jane Raymond
Jan Raymond
Vicki Raymond Aspiasu
In 1972 Steve Symms successfully ran for Congress in Idaho's 1st district. His campaign and election drew nationwide attention as he was a principled advocate for less government and more individual freedom and helped set a trend in the GOP that culminated with the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980, as well as his own election to the US Senate by defeating the very liberal incumbent Frank Church. I had the pleasure of working on the late Senator Jim McClure's first campaign for Senate in 1972 and worked some for Symms that year as well. After the election Steve invited me to join his Washington staff as senior legislative assistant, something for which I will always be grateful as it helped launch my own career. I have many fond memories of working for Steve throughout the '70s and briefly during his first year as a Senator. Steve Symms was known for his adherence to principle even when that was unpopular with the Washington Establishment's UniParty. One of his most courageous acts as a GOP congressman was to strongly support Ronald Reagan's campaign for the GOP nomination in 1976 against then president Ford; that took great courage at the time and it was an example of Steve's determination to put principle over expedient politics. Thank you, Steve.
The Senator changed my life. In the fall of 1981 he was in Idaho Falls. My Mom ran his district office and I happened to stop in to see Mom, she asked if I'd like to meet the Senator. Of course I would! He took me into an office and we spoke for 10-15 minutes. He treated this high school kid with respect and challenged me about the Constitution, and to get to know it and love it. I did and now, 43 years later I'm an attorney fighting for the Constitution trying to protect it. God Bless Senator Symms! A great man who I have always respected, and who was (and is) loved by my parents, Mel and Dixie Richardson, and who's influence has made me a better man. I hope to live worthy of seeing him again and thanking him for his work and influence.
Todd Richardson
Steve was the person who first got me interested in politics. My uncle, Bob Smith, was his campaign manager and legislative aide. I remember times at our house with Steve and Bob coming over to discuss issues with my dad, early in his days as a US Congressman. His political principles ("Take a bite out of government!" have stuck with me to this day.
Heidi Smith, Parma, ID
