<\/a>Former Alaska Gov. Bill Sheffield smiles as he holds a The Anchorage Times newspaper in his Capitol office in Juneau, Alaska, on Aug. 5, 1985, after he survived an impeachment effort during July and August 1985. A statement provided by friends says he died Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, at his home in Anchorage. He was 94. Sheffield was governor from 1982 to 1986. (Brian Wallace \/ Juneau Empire File via AP)<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
Though that didn’t stop his career in public service, Sheffield continued as a board director of Alaska Railroad, later its CEO, and served as the director of the Port of Anchorage for more than a decade before retiring from his position in 2012. Throughout his life, he remained a prominent figure in Alaska politics and was a vocal supporter of political candidates of varying sides in Alaska politics.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
His death was mourned by a diverse group of public leaders, including multiple former Alaska governors and current congressional delegation.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
“The First Lady and I express our deepest sympathies to the family of former Governor Bill Sheffield,” said Governor Dunleavy in a press release. “William Jennings Sheffield Jr. will be remembered for his many contributions to the state.”<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
Dunleavy announced he will order that Alaska and United States flags fly at half-staff in his honor at a future date.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
“Today, I want to acknowledge the sad news of the passing of former Alaska Governor Bill Sheffield,” said UAA Chancellor and former Gov. Sean Parnell. “Bill’s legacy as an Alaskan, as a leader and as a genuinely affable friend to many will never be forgotten.”<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski expressed her condolences for Sheffield’s death in a news release.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
“Alaskans are saddened by the passing of Bill Sheffield — a tenacious, determined man who spent his life making Alaska a better place for us all. Bill came from humble beginnings and faced a number of challenges throughout his life, which only made him more empathetic to those around him,” Murkowski said. “Bill was a warm and caring person who will be deeply missed but his friendship will not be forgotten.”<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola shared in a tweet “Bill Sheffield cared about all of Alaska and all Alaskans. His dedication to building a better state and years of public service will long be remembered.”<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
Bill Sheffield cared about all of Alaska and all Alaskans. His dedication to building a better state and years of public service will long be remembered. https:\/\/t.co\/KW9ZycYMMu<\/a><\/p>— Rep. Mary Peltola (@Rep_Peltola) November 4, 2022<\/a><\/blockquote>