CHARLOTTESVILLE (WINA) – Former Virginia Governor, UVa law grad, and former Miller Center Director Gerald Baliles passed away this (Tuesday) morning at 79. He entered palliative care last month after battling cancer for four years. Governor Northam’s office released a statement from the Baliles family shortly after 10am stating:

“Former Governor Gerald L. Baliles, 79, passed away in the early morning of October 29, 2019, surrounded by his family. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.”

Northam then released his own statement later:

“I am deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Governor Gerald Baliles.

“As the 65th Governor of Virginia, he understood and valued the role government can play in improving citizens’ lives. He transformed Virginia’s transportation infrastructure, signed Virginia into the Chesapeake Bay agreement under which we still operate today, and focused on expanding access to higher education, among many other accomplishments.

“Governor Baliles fought for rural Virginians, promoted civil discourse, and was the epitome of a true public servant.

“While his accomplishments in office were, and remain, impressive, I will miss him for the kind ear and the sound advice he was always willing to give to me. Pam and I send our deepest sympathies to his wife, children, and loved ones.

“I have directed that Virginia state flags be flown at half-staff in Governor Baliles’ honor for the next 30 days.”

Baliles was born July 8, 1940 in Patrick County… and later graduated from Fishburne Military School in Waynesboro. He graduated undergrad from Wesleyan University in Connecticut with a bachelors in Government in 1963, then earned his JD from UVa Law. He went on to practice environmental law until 1981 when he was elected Attorney General of Virginia. His first elected office was the 35th House of Delegates District in 1975 — and he served there from 1976-to-1982. He served as Attorney General from 1982-to-1985 when he resigned in June of that year during his run for Governor. He was elected Virginia’s 65th Governor in November of that year with more than 55% of the vote, and served as Governor from 1986-to-1990.

During his term, Baliles was credited with boosting Virginia’s transportation infrastructure with a gasoline tax raise. He also championed higher education. In 1989, he hosted the nation’s Governors at UVa for President George H.W. Bush’s summit on education. He also appointed the first woman to Virginia’s Supreme Court.

After his term, he went back to private law practice — working a long time for prominent Richmond firm Hunton & Williams where he specialized in aviation law.
He became the University of Virginia’s Miller Center director in 2006 through 2014. Upon his retirement from the Miller Center, UVa President Theresa Sullivan issued the following statement:

“Under the leadership of Governor Baliles, the Miller Center has held true to its founding intent to address major issues and to focus the attention of the academy, the public and policymakers,” President Teresa A. Sullivan said. “His tenure at the center included several noteworthy accomplishments, including the launch of the National Discussion and Debate Series and the assembling of the National War Powers Commission. He increased the visibility and influence of the Miller Center and the University of Virginia. I wish him and his wife, Robin, all the best as they embark on their next journey in life,” Sullivan added.

He is survived by his current wife, Robin Deal, who he married in 2003… as well as first wife Jeannie Baliles to whom he was married for 31 years before divorcing in 1996. He has two children by Jeannie — Jon and Laura.

He split his time living in Charlottesville and Patrick County.

Tribute statements are below:

Virginia’s senior U.S. Senator and former Governor Mark Warner (D):

“In his four years as Governor, Gerald Baliles was a steady hand steering the Commonwealth, making important investments in transportation that Virginians are still benefiting from today.

 “He was also a good friend. I join all Virginians in celebrating his service to the Commonwealth. We will miss him.”

Virginia House Speaker Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights:

“Governor Baliles was a caring, conscientious and exceptional life-long public servant.

“He was a distinguished member of the Virginia House of Delegates, as well as the Attorney General of Virginia prior to becoming Virginia’s 65th Governor.

“Like elected officials on both sides of the aisle, along with the citizens of all walks, I believe Governor Baliles tackled and tried in earnest to solve, head on, real problems affecting the people of Virginia.  He focused on the practical needs of Virginians such as transportation improvements and economic development.  He also championed higher education and led the charge in the Commonwealth against illiteracy.

“He cared deeply about Virginia’s natural resources and was named Conservationist of the Year by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in 2005 after working tirelessly for years to help clean up the Bay and keep it healthy.

“During his time in office and in the years following, he contributed greatly to helping our Commonwealth fulfill the richness of its potential.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the Baliles family during this difficult time.”

Retiring state Delegate and former Democratic House Minority Leader David Toscano (D):

“We will so miss Jerry Baliles, a remarkable public servant in office & beyond. As Governor he championed educational excellence, environmental stewardship, & economic engagement. His cabinet & judicial appointments were notably inclusive. Let’s strive to continue these legacies.”

Virginia’s junior U.S. Senator and former Governor Tim Kaine (D):

“Governor Baliles modernized our roads, pushed environmental policies that understood economic growth and conservation go hand-in-hand, and led unprecedented international missions that laid the groundwork for Virginia to become the global trade hub it is today. Given the decades of Virginia prosperity these initiatives have enabled, it would not be hyperbole to say Jerry was one of the Commonwealth’s most accomplished governors of the twentieth century. After leaving office, he continued to donate his intellect, vision, and work ethic for the public good. I’ll always remember the advice he gave me as head of the UVA Miller Center and the support he provided in cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay. My condolences go out to the Baliles family and all Virginians who, like me, are saddened by his passing.”

Virginia Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax (D):

“God bless Governor Baliles and his family. Virginia is grateful for your wonderful life of public service and of working to create opportunity for everyone in the Commonwealth. Rest well. You’ve earned a rich reward. Godspeed.”

Virginia Senate Democratic Leader Richard Saslaw (D-Fairfax): 

“As Virginia’s Attorney General and Governor, Gerald Baliles was a huge asset to the Commonwealth. He had a brilliant mind, made his imprint, and had the political courage it took to lead Virginia forward. I extend my sincere condolences to his family and friends.”

Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring (D):

“I join all Virginians mourning the loss of Gov. Baliles and send my deepest condolences to the Baliles family. His service as governor, attorney general, and delegate set a standard for decency and achievement that we can all aspire to.”

UVa Center for Politics Director Larry Sabato:

“RIP former VA Gov. Gerald L. Baliles. He served 1986-1990, and was an outstanding Governor. Had major achievements in transportation and the environment (Chesapeake Bay). A friend and colleague at UVA in recent years. We will miss him greatly. He was 79.