Funeral, memorial events for Kempthorne scheduled

BOISE — The Governor's Office has announced that two public events have been scheduled to honor the life of Dirk Kempthorne. The former Boise mayor, U.S. senator, U.S. secretary of the Interior and governor of Idaho passed away April 24 at the age of 74.

Friday, May 15

At 10 a.m., former Gov. Kempthorne will be transferred to the Idaho State Capitol, receiving arrival honors from the Idaho National Guard and the Idaho State Police. Gov. Brad Little will oversee the service and Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane will serve as master of ceremonies. 

Kempthorne will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda until 10 a.m. Saturday, May 16. While lying in state, the tradition in which a public official rests in a place of honor, the public will have an opportunity to pay their respects. 

Saturday, May 16

At 10 a.m., Gov. Kempthorne will be transferred from the Capitol Rotunda to the Cathedral of the Rockies, located at 717 N. 11th St. in Boise. 

At 11 a.m., the funeral service will begin and the public is invited to attend. A livestream of the service will be accessible through the Cathedral of the Rockies website.

After the service, a procession of family and invited guests will be led by the Idaho State Police and proceed to the Idaho State Veterans Ceremony for an interment ceremony.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held in Washington, D.C., at a later date.

Little has ordered U.S. and state of Idaho flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of Gov. Kempthorne. They will be raised to full staff at sunrise Sunday, May 17.