Virginians, Others Reflect on the Loss of former Virginia Lt. Governor John Hager
On Sunday former Virginia Lt. Governor John Hager passed away. He was a giant in the party, and a kind and fair man.
In a statement, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam ordered flags flown at half-staff to honor the life of John Hager:
“John Hager devoted his life to public service, and I admired his love for our country and for Virginia.
“He served in the Army and worked as a businessman, but he will be remembered as a volunteer, an athlete, an author, and a patriot.
“I first met John after running for public office, and he helped me learn the job of being Lieutenant Governor. Anyone who worked in Virginia politics quickly learned that John was everywhere, and no one outworked him. He earned victory and knew defeat, and he kept going. John held fast to his principles, and he knew when to reach across the aisle to compromise. Our country misses his example.
“Most of all, John was a family man. Pam and I send our thoughts and prayers to Maggie, Jack, Henry, and the entire Hager family.
“I have ordered Virginia state flags to be flown at half-staff for ten days in John’s honor.”
The tributes and remembrances of Lt. Gov. Hager began as news of his passing spread. His constant presence at GOP events around the Commonwealth is definitely going to be missed.
Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of former President George W. and Laura Bush who is married to the Hagers’ youngest son Henry, wrote a moving tribute about her father-in-law, noting his kindness and compassion. She concluded, “And boy, will we miss him but as Poppy said: he is in a better place—’in heaven, out of his wheel-chair and running.’ ”
Former AP reporter Bob Lewis wrote a touching tribute in the Virginia Mercury, John Henry Hager was ‘the hardest working man in politics.’ He had to be. Bob noted at the end, “John’s abiding instinct was to bring people together, to work toward consensus, to grow the tent – whether it was for a nonprofit or a powerful deliberative body. That seems incompatible with the Trump-era GOP. Even so, John refused to indulge pessimism. The last time I saw him, he still believed that good will, good deeds and hard work would win out, for his party, his country and his commonwealth.” Indeed.
Bob Lewis talked about Lt. Gov. Hager Tuesday on Chris Saxman’s Virginia FREE radio show (link here).
Former Governor Jim Gilmore
I am very distressed to hear today of the death of John Hager. John was Lieutenant Governor during my Gubernatorial administration. We were elected by the people on the same ticket. John was always an able leader for the Commonwealth. He worked every day to make Virginia a better place.
I still remember his presence and support during the 9-11 attack. He was at my side as we responded to the attack on the Pentagon.
John Hager was deeply engaged in the life of the Republican Party and of all civic life of Virginia. Wherever anyone needed support or friendship through his presence, John was always there. His passing marks the end of an era in Virginia politics.
Roxane and I will miss John very much. Our sincere condolences to Maggie and to his sons and his entire family. We also express sympathy to the thousands of friends John made and kept throughout his very consequential life.
Because I presently serve as U.S. ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in Vienna, Austria, we will not be able to be present at any memorial service. Nevertheless, the memory of John will stay with us forever.
Former Lt. Governor Bill Bolling
Jean Ann and I were shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of our friend, John Hager. John was a true gentleman and a dedicated public servant. His heart and motives were always in the right place, and his personal story of overcoming adversity and succeeding in life was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Hager family. We have truly lost one of the best among us.
State Senator Emmett Hanger
I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a true Virginia consensus builder. Former Lt. Gov. John Hager left a true legacy that many only strive to achieve. John and his wife, Maggie, have been true friends but more importantly John’s commitment to invest so much of his time, energy, and talent to public service and leadership in so many capacities has contributed in a positive way to the quality of life we enjoy throughout the Commonwealth.
Chris Saxman, former member Virginia House of Delegates
Virginia lost a statesman today and I lost a friend in former Lt Gov. John Hager. I spoke with him for 40 minutes Wednesday about a lot of things – life, family, and – of course – politics. John was a great man. Damn it this one hurts – deep. Jim Valvano said that if you laugh, cry, and think in the same day – well, that’s a good day. Today has been two really good days both celebrating men named John.
Donald Williams, former Chairman of Chesterfield GOP
The death of former Lieutenant Governor John H Hager has painfully affected so many across the Commonwealth of Virginia – and I am one.
“Governor Hager” was a dear friend, a loyal ally and a personal inspiration. He was kind and generous beyond measure. John Hager was a good man. Over the next couple of days, I will assemble and share my thoughts on the loss of this remarkable man and what he meant to me.
Brian Schoeneman, Esq, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus, Bearing Drift
Very saddened to hear of the passing of former Lt. Governor John Hager. When I first joined the Republican Party in Virginia in my youth, this was one of the men I aspired to be like – someone who overcame adversity, governed well, and always had time to talk to anybody, anywhere. He epitomized the ideals of the Sorensen Institute, which he chaired when I was a student there. He was the embodiment of the Virginia Way, and one of the last of his kind. I met and talked with him dozens of times, and he always had time, always treated you like you were the most important person he’d talk to that day. In today’s world of petty infighting, mudslinging and pwn-the-libs politics, those of us who have tried to emulate his style of politics have found it difficult going, but I don’t ever intend to stop, just like he refused to. Virginia is a little bit smaller today with him gone from it.
Peter Foster, GOP activist
Over the next several days, and hopefully longer, many wonderful things will be said about John H. John H Hager. Most of those things will rightfully focus on his remarkable record of public service, his tireless devotion to the Republican Party, his highly successful business career, the truly wonderful family he and Maggie have raised, and, of course, the unbelievable personal challenges he overcame in his life. What I would like to talk about is who he truly was when the cameras were off and it was just you and him talking. He is someone who, in public and in private, always treated everyone as an equal. But it was more than just that. He truly valued your opinion on what was going on in the world, particularly if you happened to share an insight that he had not considered before. He cared so much about encouraging and mentoring those who began their journeys after he did, and I can say first hand that those of us who benefited from that will always appreciate it. A few years ago, he wrote a very interesting book about his experiences in life. When I purchased it, I was honored that he wrote me a very personal inscription. It meant a lot to me then, and it means even more to me now.
Jason Kenney, IT and Editor, Bearing Drift
Thoughts and prayers for the Hager family. Good man.
Davis Rennolds, former Richmond GOP Chair
It’s difficult to imagine a world without John Hager, although in this day and age of politics it’s a reminder in his passing how rare he was- he was a one in a million political mind and downright amazing human being.
I had the honor to work for John and I learned more from him in that time then he could have ever known. I loved his willingness to engage in friendly debates. He was always respectful of any differences of opinion and I learned something every time we had one of our chats.
He was the epitome of the word Gentleman, I’m glad I knew him and got to witness his style and intellect first hand – the world is truly lesser without him.
Julie Coggsdale, GOP activist
I am so sad to hear of the passing of our friend, John Hager. God bless Maggie and the family. I was honored to know this kind and hard working man.
Thomas Turner, YR State Chair
Over the years you get to meet a lot of great people Gov John Hager was one of them!! He was a fine statesman an excellent LT Gov and va Voice in RPV. So Glad I saw him one last time at the 4th district Convention!! Rest Easy Governor until we meet again!
Lena Morrill, former Sweet Briar YR
John Hager changed my life. His campaign for RPV Chairman was the first campaign I worked and it kicked off my time in politics. It was first time I wore a lapel sticker, attended a mass meeting, put out yard signs, and went to a convention. I was 19 with a front row seat to party politics, met leaders and volunteers from across the Commonwealth, and got first person stories from the wedding of the president’s daughter. (Talk about “pinch me” moments!) The Commonwealth lost a giant tonight. My thoughts are with Maggie and the entire Hager family.
John Murray III, Virginia Democratic Party
The world has lost a great Virginian and a true inspiration. John Hager was an amazing man who was diagnosed with polio in his mid 30s and went on to become a highly successful businessman and Lt. Governor. I will always be grateful to Chris Saxman for many things but especially the opportunity to attend the 2017 Sorensen dinner in Lt. Governor Hager’s honor.
Bob Lewis, reporter
I never respected any elected official or candidate more than John Henry Hager. I called him “the hardest-working man in politics” because he was. He was brave, be was eternally optimistic, he was warm and kind, he was honest and decent. When the phrase “character counts” still had currency within the Republican Party, John immediately came to mind.
He worked hard and played by the rules, and I always thought Virginia was fortunate that he was its lieutenant governor. He exemplified why the GOP was great in Virginia at the zenith of its power at the end of the 20th century and the start of this one.
My prayers are with Maggie and his family for strength, peace and comfort.
Dolores Switzer, GOP activist
After hearing of John’s passing I have thought about so many of the remarkable things he accomplished in his life. There were several times he and I talked by phone about the political landscape in the Commonwealth. John will be missed!
Jerry Baldwin, former Chairman of Chesterfield GOP
Today we mourn the passing of a truly great American, and a dear friend to so many, Lt. Gov. John H. Hager. I had the honor of knowing John for most of my life. He was my father’s boss for many years and always had such kind things to say about my dad, even as recent as a few weeks ago at a political event. He lived a truly amazing and fascinating life, and was an inspiration to me for so many reasons. He will surely be missed, but his legacy will live forever. Sending Prayers of comfort tonight to Maggie and the family.
Rose Ann Janis
All the years Bill Janis was involved in Virginia politics, there was one constant: John Hager. You would see him at EVERY single event, no matter how small. I will never forget how he came to our election night suite, and after Bill lost this particular election, he immediately came over to me and said comforting words, saying he had lost too, and it’s ok. But that was him, caring for others even though he had been through so much. RIP John Hager.
Mike Wade, GOP activist
Some days you get a call that truly changes your life. Today, John H. Hager, a man that symbolized everything that is good about Virginia passed away. John was my dearest friend, my mentor, my hero. John not only overcame adversity he set the bar for others to reach. I will miss so much calling him and hearing, “Mike how the hell are you and what’s going on?” Today, the political arena lost a man whose character, tenacity and vigor is so much needed. John was every where for everyone but more so with the greatest pride and admiration he was always there for me. Rest assured I will make good on our last conversation John.
When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him, lies on the paths of men. ~ H.W. Longfellow
Jenni Aulgur
My heart is heavy tonight. I interned for John Hager the summer before my senior year at VT and then went full-time for the rest of his term as Lt. Governor. The job never felt like work. I had the privilege of driving him during his campaign for Governor. We went all over the Commonwealth. We were headed up to DC on September 11 until we got the tragic news, turned the car around in Ashland and headed back to the Capitol. You learn a lot about someone (and yourself) when you spend 12-14 hours a day with them in a car.
John was a true Virginia gentleman. He was a statesman. He wanted to make a difference in everything he touched…politics, business, charity work. He always had a positive attitude; I learned about life during my 18 months with John. No one worked harder and was more genuine than John. To this day I still believe he would have made one hell of a Governor.
Even after his term in public service was over, we kept in touch on a fairly regular basis. I’ll never forget that he took time out of his son’s graduation day from Darden to call me on my wedding day to send his love and best wishes because he and Maggie couldn’t be there. Or the kind notes he sent me over the last 20 years.
He was one in a million. Virginia will be a little less bright without him. Heaven definitely gained an angel today. RIP my friend.
Ted Brown
I am very deeply saddened to learn that former Virginia Lt. Governor John Hager has died. He was a good friend and one of the finest and most accomplished public servants, both in and out of government, that our Commonwealth has ever produced. John Hager was a highly respected business leader and a living definition of perseverance and grit. He contracted polio as an adult, but never allowed that adversity to prevent him from continuing to live an active and productive life. Lt. Governor Hager was a pillar of the Republican Party of Virginia and a Virginia Gentleman in the greatest sense of the term.
Juanita Balenger
I am sorry to learn of the passing of former Lt. Governor John Hager. In 1994, when I moved to Richmond to work for former Governor George Allen, John and Maggie opened their beautiful home to get to know the new appointees. It was that night, I learned first hand from his wife, Maggie, how they dealt head on when John contracted polio shortly after they were married. Maggie showed a small group of us how she retrofitted their home now that John would be confined to a wheelchair. Their hospitality that night was warm and sincere.
This did not stop John. He was a tireless leader for the Republican Party, the business community, nonprofits and community service organizations. John was always on the go with traveling around the Commonwealth and keeping abreast on so many issues.
This picture of my mom and I was taken at his Lt. Governor’s ball, January 1998. The ball was a wonderful night at the historic Jefferson Hotel.
I also remember so many conversations that I had with John over the years at State Central Committee meetings, which included his time as RPV Chairman, RPV Advances and other Republican events.
My condolences and prayers are with Maggie and John’s family. May God bless his soul.
Cole Trower
Lt. Governor John H Hager was the embodiment of a Virginia Gentleman. He had an amazing impact on so many people’s lives in and out of public office. His kindness and fortitude were inspiring to all. I will never forget Wes Fisher and I calling him to ask if he would speak to the JMU College Republicans. I enjoyed our friendship and his encouragement throughout the years. Virginia lost a legend today…
Peter Finocchio
Saddened to hear of the passing of former Lieutenant Governor John H Hager. When he was elected Lieutenant Governor in 1997, he was the first Republican Lieutenant Governor elected in Virginia in over a century and was part of the first Republican statewide sweep in Virginia history. But more importantly, he was a compassionate statesman and a thoughtful leader whose triumph over adversity continues to serve as an inspiration to Virginians and Americans of all political persuasions.
Peter Farrell
John Hager was an example of how all politicians should show character in victory, while performing their duties, and in defeat. Prayers to his family.
Colleen Smith, Sorensen Institute
This man was an inspiration to so many. Everyone knew him and he knew them. It was my honor to work with him at the Sorensen Institute as a long time board chair and eventually being a part of a labor of love, to honor this man’s life’s work as a citizen of the Commonwealth. Well done Lieutenant Governor John Hager. It is time to rest.
Bob Gibson, Communications, UVA’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service
Saddened to learn of the death of John Hager, a civically involved longtime chairman of the board of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership and a former chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia. John was a statesman and a good man who showed courage, grit and determination throughout his life.
Craig Fifer
John H Hager and I championed very different causes in our professional and political lives. Had it not been for The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership, we may never have even had a conversation, let alone been friends. I’m glad I got the chance to see John as a Virginian first, above party or agenda. John was widely regarded as someone who cared about people and pivoted from adversity to strength. He was indefatigable and inspirational, but he never sought the spotlight. As Lt. Governor of Virginia and as Sorensen state chair, John was a quiet leader who modeled civility. May his memory be for a blessing.
Obituaries:
-The New York Times: Former Virginia Lt. Gov. John H. Hager Dies
-Washington Post: John Hager, Virginia lieutenant governor, dies at 83
-Richmond Times-Dispatch: Former Lt. Gov. John H. Hager dies at 83
-AP in the U.S. News and World Report: Former Virginia Lt. Gov. John H. Hager dies at 83
Cover photo by Bob Gibson. Used with permission.
