Colleagues remember the man

-- Gov. Sean Parnell

"A fighter for statehood and a champion of the lands claims of Alaska's Native peoples, Wally left a lasting legacy for generations to follow. During our 50th anniversary of statehood celebration last year, I marveled at the fact that so many of the people who made our history are still alive and available to inspire succeeding generations of Alaskans as we continue to grow our State. I would like to think that giants like Wally Hickel could live forever."

-- Sen. Lisa Murkowski

"Gov. Hickel transcended partisan politics, and was a friend and mentor to many. His decades of public service, his focused vision and his forceful advocacy for Alaska will always be appreciated by Alaskans and the many Americans who knew him."

--Sen. Mark Begich

"From his earliest days as a boxer, Gov. Hickel never ceased to be a fighter. His courage, tenacity and independence helped to show everyone around him, and the rest of the Lower 48, what it really meant to be an Alaskan."

-- Rep. Don Young

"Although no longer with us, the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will survive through the ages. Hickel's tireless efforts toward making Alaska a modern state will not soon be forgotten, and his name will always be remembered as someone who lived and breathed the State of Alaska and the opportunities he realized here."

-- Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan

"Wally Hickel was a driving force in the development of our state. He was one-of-a-kind, always straightforward, and a visionary who made things happen."

-- Former Sen. Ted Stevens