Former Gov. Gerald Baliles Dies At Age 79, Battled Kidney Cancer

RICHMOND, VA — Former Democratic Gov. Gerald Baliles — credited for broad environmental legislation to protect the Chesapeake Bay and road improvements in northern Virginia that helped the state's economy — has died at age 79. He had been treated for a type of kidney cancer for several years, his family said.

Baliles died early Tuesday surrounded by his family, according to a statement issued by Gov. Ralph Northam's office. The Washington Post said he died at his home in Charlottesville.

Northam ordered Virginia state flags be flown at half-staff for the next 30 days. Baliles served as governor from 1986 to 1990.

“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," Northam said. “Governor Baliles fought for rural Virginians, promoted civil discourse, and was the epitome of a true public servant. ... Pam and I send our deepest sympathies to his wife, children, and loved ones."

Baliles' family last month said he had been fighting renal cell carcinoma for several years, WTOP reports. In 2016, Baliles had a tumorous kidney removed and began treatment for cancer cells that had migrated to his lungs. The Roanoke Times reported the former governor had pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease, and Baliles entered a palliative care program.

Baliles won praise for opening the Commonwealth's government to more women and people of color. His lieutenant governor was L. Douglas Wilder, who became the first African American elected governor of any state. Attorney General Mary Sue Terry, elected with Baliles, was the first woman to hold statewide office in Virginia. And Baliles appointed Elizabeth B. Lacy as the first woman on the Virginia Supreme Court, the Post reported.

The three-person Democratic ticket that Mr. Baliles headed in the 1985 election was “really revolutionary” for Virginia, University of Virginia political analyst Larry J. Sabato told The Washington Post at the time. “It’s a Southern state and is one of the most conservative.”

U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat, credited Baliles' administration with road improvements, conservation policies and international trade missions that sparked Virginia's economic boom.

“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," Kaine said. "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.”

This story includes reporting from The Associated Press.