Former Utah Sen. Bob Bennett dies

Former Sen. Bob Bennett (R-Utah) died Wednesday night, The Salt Lake Tribune reported.

Bennett was 82 years old. He had been fighting pancreatic cancer for months.

{mosads}He recently had a stroke that paralyzed the left side of his body, according to the Deseret News.

Bennett, who served three terms in the Senate, said in the past that he hoped to be known as “someone who tried to solve problems,” according to the Tribune.

A post on Bennett’s Facebook page said that the former senator died “surrounded by his wife and children,” according to Fox 13.

“His final days were filled with kindness and love, and the family greatly appreciates the outpouring of well wishes and support,” the post stated. “It touched his heart, and deeply touched ours, to see how much he was loved.”

The House Democrats in Utah released a statement Wednesday through Caucus Manager Rep. Patrice Arent.

“I have not always agreed with his views on policy issues, but I always appreciated his civility. In this political climate that might seem like a weakness, but that is what Utah and our nation so desperately need. We have lost a leader in Utah, someone who made a major contribution to our state and nation,” the statement said.

“His presence and his politics will be missed.”

Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams also tweeted praise for Bennett.

So sad to hear of Sen. Bob Bennett’s passing. A proud Utahn who gave so much to our state. #SenBobBennett pic.twitter.com/sFMK7qyj1R

— Mayor Ben McAdams (@MayorBenMcAdams) May 5, 2016

Utah has lost a great public servant. Sen. Bob Bennett was an example to me of how politics is a way to give back… https://t.co/YU5d4uPVcD

— Mayor Ben McAdams (@MayorBenMcAdams) May 5, 2016