Former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh passed away on Wednesday at the age of 98. He was the first Governor of Oklahoma to win reelection. He also served in the Office when two Governors left when he was serving as Lt. Governor.
Considered a true public servant, the death of Nigh has several Oklahoma leaders singing praises for him.
Governor Kevin Stitt:
“I’m saddened to hear of the loss of a true Oklahoma statesman and public servant. George Nigh guided Oklahoma through difficult times and led with kindness and humility. Sarah and I are praying for his wife Donna and their family and friends as they remember and honor a life well lived.”
Attorney General Gentner Drummond:
“I am greatly saddened to learn that George Nigh, one of Oklahoma’s most noble and admirable leaders, has passed away. Few public servants have had the impact on our state that Gov. Nigh demonstrated. Through multiple terms as Governor and Lieutenant Governor, he led with kindness and impeccable integrity. His contributions to our development and advancement as a state are too numerous to name. And his devotion to serving Oklahoma inspired new generations to take up the mantle of public service through the George and Donna Nigh Public Service Scholarship.
“I ask every Oklahoman to join me in honoring one of the finest men to ever lead our state and to pray for the loved ones he leaves behind. I hope they have white hats in Heaven.”
Congressman Tom Cole:
“It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of an Oklahoma political legend, former Governor George Nigh. Nigh served as Governor of Oklahoma on four separate occasions, two short stints when others left the office early followed by two full terms from 1979-1987. He also served four complete terms as Oklahoma’s Lieutenant Governor, several terms in the state House of Representatives, and five years as President of the University of Central Oklahoma in the 1990’s.
“A talented public speaker, Nigh was a gifted politician, a gregarious and tireless campaigner, and an upbeat and optimistic leader. It was impossible not to like George Nigh and respect him as a person. Indeed, he may well have been the most personally popular political figure in Oklahoma history. He did not win every race he ran, but he was always a gracious loser and, more often, a magnanimous winner — two qualities that Oklahoma voters and political opponents appreciated.
“Nigh had a quick and easy wit. When I told him on one occasion that he had been the speaker at both my high school graduation in 1967 and the ceremony where I was awarded my Ph.D in 1984, he immediately quipped, ‘I hope I didn’t use the same jokes twice!’ Then, when I reminded him that I had been his opponent’s deputy campaign manager in 1982 — an election in which my candidate became the only Republican gubernatorial nominee in Oklahoma history to lose all 77 counties — Nigh had a quick retort. ‘At least I helped you set a record that no one can break,’ he said with a grin.
“George Nigh and I belonged to different political parties and had some sharp political disagreements over the years. However, I always respected his personal decency, his sunny disposition, his commitment to public service, and his deep love for the people and the state of Oklahoma. I join his many friends and admirers in mourning the passing of a good man and a great Oklahoman.”
U.S. Senator James Lankford:
“I’m saddened to hear of the passing of former Governor George Nigh, a statesman who dedicated his life to serving Oklahoma. His legacy of leadership, optimism, and public service will be forever cherished. Our prayers are with his family and loved ones.”
Oklahoma State Treasurer Todd Russ:
“Governor George Nigh was a gracious, principled, and devoted public servant who led Oklahoma with optimism, civility, and a deep commitment to all Oklahomans. His impact on our state’s history and his example of bipartisan leadership will be remembered for generations. He helped shape my early political perspective as a gentleman and a leader, and I’ve always admired the way he served with both dignity and humility. We take comfort in the words of Scripture: ‘Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.’ (Matthew 20:26). My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who were inspired by his life of service.”
Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton:
“It is with great sadness that former Governor George Nigh has passed away.
“Oklahoma is a better state because of his distinguished career in public service. Having been a member in the House of Representatives, lieutenant governor and as governor, he celebrated many accomplishments throughout his distinguished career.
“A committed public servant through-and-through, he began his career as a teacher after college. After his career in government, he went on to lead the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond as president, where the university center still bears his name at the Nigh University Center.
“The impact and legacy Governor Nigh left on the state will not be forgotten. My wife Misti and I share our sympathies and prayers with the Nigh family and his loved ones during this difficult time.”
Oklahoma Senate Democratic Leader Senator Julia Kirt:
“When I learned that Governor George Nigh had passed, I was filled both with deep sadness at his passing and profound gratitude for his incredible life and service to the people of Oklahoma. He was a life-long public servant as an educator, legislator, former lieutenant governor, governor, and president of the University of Central Oklahoma.
“Governor Nigh was a visionary and a true statesman, beloved and admired by elected officials on both sides of the aisle. My thoughts and prayers are with Donna and the Nigh family, and I know our entire state joins them in mourning this tremendous loss.”
Oklahoma Senator Adam Pugh:
“Governor George Nigh embodied what it means to be a public servant. His life was marked by tireless dedication to the people of Oklahoma. From his early days in the Legislature to his time as our state’s governor, he personifies what it means to be a statesman.
“For those of us in Edmond, his legacy is perhaps felt most strongly through his leadership at the University of Central Oklahoma. As president of UCO, Governor Nigh helped shape the university into a cornerstone institution in our state. He elevated the university’s mission, strengthened its reputation and inspired generations of students to believe in the power of a higher education and community. He loved this state deeply and never stopped investing in its future. His impact on higher education and public service will live on through the countless lives he touched.
“My thoughts are with his family, his many friends and all Oklahomans who are mourning the loss of this truly remarkable man. May we all strive to serve with the humility, integrity and vision that Governor Nigh exemplified.”
Oklahoma Senator Mark Mann:
“I have known Governor Nigh for over thirty years and was proud to have his support in my recent election. His example of servant leadership has inspired me and countless others to live a life of service. Nigh’s deep love for Oklahoma transcended partisanship, setting an example for how we all should serve.
“In June, I had the opportunity to see the governor and hear him speak. His words were as powerful as ever. His message was simple: a life in service is a life well lived, and Governor Nigh certainly lived a long and meaningful life.
“As we reflect on his life and achievements, we are reminded of the power of public service and the enduring influence of a true statesman. His work will continue to inspire and guide Oklahomans, ensuring that his legacy remains relevant and cherished for years to come.”
Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert:
“Today, we mourn the loss of Governor George Nigh. He represented the Oklahoma Standard through decades of service, from reforming the executive branch and modernizing state agencies to declaring Oklahoma! the official state song. His work helped shape the direction of our state and will be remembered. My thoughts are with his wife, Donna, and the entire Nigh family during this time.”
Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Representative Cyndi Munson:
“Oklahoma lost a legend today. Governor George Nigh defined what it was to be an Oklahoman. He led with dedication, passion, and kindness. I first met Gov. Nigh as a student in a leadership class at the University of Central Oklahoma, and he was my first phone call when I decided to run for office. He always remembered me and supported me, and I would not be where I am today without his guidance. Gov. Nigh was always passionate about encouraging Oklahomans to get involved in leadership in their communities, especially women and younger people. He increased the number of women and minorities serving on state boards and commissions and appointed the first two women to serve on the Oklahoma Supreme Court, paving the way for people like me to serve in public office. My thoughts and prayers are with Donna and the rest of the Nigh family as we remember and honor this great man.”
