New Orleans - Former Governor David Treen, who 30 years ago became the first Republican to lead the state since Reconstruction, has passed away.
Treen died early Thursday morning in Metairie, and was apparently in good spirits almost until the end.
He was a political icon, who was foremost, a dad.
Dave Treen, who became the first republican governor to serve Louisiana in over 110 years, died at East Jefferson Hospital from complications due to a respiratory illness.
Son, Dave Treen Jr. said, "My dad had a great sense of humor... even last night... he was having fun with the nurses."
Treen was elected to Congress in 1972, and was voted governor in 1979, after Edwin Edwards was term limited out.
"He was a worth adversary and absolute honorable man. In spite of the different roads we traveled, we had become very good friends. I truly regret his passing and send condolences and sympathies to his family," said Edwards in an interview from jail.
Xavier political analyst Silas Lee said, "The reality is he implemented some changes and teacher certification, and he did build a coalition."
Treen ran unsuccessfully three other times for governor, and never strayed far from Republican causes.
While Treen's family says he set high standards at home, close friends and political allies say he also set high standards in office.
Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser Jr., whose father served as chairman of the republican party, grew up with Treen.
"If he had not been there, we might not be where we are today with Governor Jindal," Nungesser said.
Treen stunned many, when he campaigned for release from prison, for former governor Edwin Edwards, who once quipped that it took Treen 'an hour and a half' to watch sixty minutes.
His son Dave said he thought it was the right thing to do.
"The thing that moved him, as he went to bed at night and said the Our Father, forgive our trespasses... What was important to offer forgiveness," Treen Jr. remembered.
In recent weeks, Treen moved into a retirement home, but then moved back to his home in Mandeville to maintain his independence.
A memorial service to honor the former governor will be held at the Louisiana State Capitol on Monday, November 2.
The funeral procession will arrive in the morning and a memorial service will follow. After the memorial service, Treen will lie in state in the State Capitol Rotunda. There will be a private funeral on Tuesday on the North Shore.
