Dick Bond remembered: 1935-2020

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Former Kansas Senate President Dick Bond passed away Thursday. He was 84. Bond was appointed to the Kansas Senate in 1986 and then elected to three, four-year terms. He served as Senate president from 1997 until 2001.

Dick Bond

Here is how he was remembered around the state Friday as the Kansas political world mourned his death.

“Dick’s leadership in the Senate was guided by his strong Kansas values, and his commitment to Kansas’ education system, improving health care, and working across the aisle served as a model for every member of the Legislature.” – Gov. Laura Kelly.

“A true giant of KS politics in the ’90s and ’00s. Kingmaker. Confidant. Catapulted Bill Graves to governor. Most responsible for massive rebuild of Statehouse. Captain of moderate wing. A huge loss.” – political commentator Steve Kraske.

“Dick Bond dedicated his life to service, including more than a decade in the Kansas State Senate. He worked diligently behind the scenes on behalf of Kansans for decades before running for office himself, demonstrating his dedication to Kansas.” – U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran.

“He was the type of leader I always admired and respected and was always willing to find compromise even under the most contentious circumstances. Kansas is a better state because of great leaders like Dick Bond.  He was my friend and I will miss his sage advice and wonderful sense of humor.” – Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley.

“Dick Bond will be missed. I was fortunate enough to be just one of the many #ksleg members who he mentored. His dignified bipartisanship and tireless work in his community is an example to us all.” – state Rep. Stephanie Clayton.

“Dick Bond was a good man, fine public servant and great attorney plus he had a sense of humor. Johnson County’s lost a treasure.” – former Mission Mayor Laura McConwell.

“Former Senate President Dick Bond’s passing is such a big loss to our community. Dick had long been a tremendous mentor to me, including in this race. He taught me the importance of reaching across aisles as a leader.” U.S. Senate candidate Barbara Bollier.

“Kansas lost a servant leader with the passing of former Kansas State Senate President Dick Bond. We send our thoughts and prayers to the Bond Family during this time of mourning.” – Secretary of State Scott Schwab.

“Dick was a Republican who put the state’s interests above politics and worked well with members of both parties to get things done for Kansas. His thinking and politics are sorely missed today in our state and country.” – Former Gov. John Carlin.

“Sad news today from Johnson County. Not only the county but Kansas overall is better for Dick’s lifetime of public service, including his unwavering leadership as State Senate President to renovate the Statehouse in Topeka to benefit generations of Kansans to come.” – Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

“JoCo Bar has lost one of our most treasured members. Sen Richard (Dick) Bond passed away (Thursday) night. We send our thoughts and prayers to his family and know will be greatly missed by so many in the legal community.” – Johnson County Bar Association.

“We are mourning the loss of a public schools champion and long-time friend and supporter of @thesmef and @theSMSD”Kimbely Hinkle, executive director, Shawnee Mission Education Foundation

“He was both gentle and tough at the same time. That’s a difficult combination, but I think Dick pulled it off.” – University of Kansas political scientist Burdette Loomis told Kansas News Service.