Former Rep Jeff Alltus, 61, RIP

Huckleberries has confirmed with a family member that former three-term Idaho state legislator Jeff Alltus, 61, has died after a five-month bout with colon and liver cancer. Alltus, who represented the old House District 3 B from Hayden from 1994-2000, died Saturday at the Hospice House on Prairie Avenue/Hayden. The family member told Huckleberries that Alltus was able to take his family on a vacation in Hawaii to provide them with some lasting pleasant memories of him. In spring 2000, Alltus decided not to seek a fourth term to the Legislature, telling the media that his son, Ryan, 14 at the time, had asked him to quit. An SR story about his decision said:

“Alltus has made his mark in the House as a Christian conservative and a backer of abortion restrictions and term limits. An insurance agent, he sponsored legislation to change a region-based formula to allow North Idaho residents to get lower health insurance rates and pushed for broad latitude for off-road-vehicle riders and gun enthusiasts. He also advocated a law making divorces harder to obtain.” … The three-term lawmaker said his service in the House has been “a wonderful experience,” but the past two sessions have been frustrating. “Even though you come down here with great aspirations of cutting government, you’re one small, little wheel in the big machine, and it’s just a difficult thing to do.” Alltus said he has talked with other social conservatives who also are frustrated. “We’re all kind of standing around, going, `This has not been very fun,”’ he said. Alltus’ blunt style sometimes has rubbed his fellow lawmakers the wrong way.

A memorial service is scheduled for Candlelight Fellowship on Highway 95/Dalton Avenue on Thursday, June 16.