SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Former Illinois Governor George Ryan, whose tenure was marked by both significant achievements and scandals, has passed away at the age of 91. Ryan, best known for his bold move to halt executions in Illinois, which led to the emptying of death row, died at his home in Kankakee on Friday afternoon while receiving hospice care, according to Kankakee County Coroner Robert Gessner, who was also a family friend.
Ryan began his journey as a small-town pharmacist but eventually rose to lead one of the nation’s largest states. He served as Governor from 1999 to 2003, a term mired by allegations of corruption. Accusations surfaced that he misused government resources for personal gain, using offices to reward friends and secure political wins, ultimately leading to his conviction on corruption charges. His actions were notably linked to the tragic deaths of six children and resulted in a 6½-year federal prison sentence.
While incarcerated, Ryan took on the role of a carpenter and formed friendships with fellow inmates, who often addressed him endearingly as “governor.” Released in January 2013, shortly before his 79th birthday, Ryan appeared noticeably thinner and more subdued. Prior to his imprisonment, Ryan had proclaimed his innocence but later requested clemency from President George W. Bush, acknowledging his conviction and expressing deep regret for his actions. “I apologize to the people of Illinois for my conduct,” he stated.
Tragedy also struck Ryan while he was still serving his sentence, with the passing of his wife, Lura Lynn, in June 2011. Though allowed a brief release to be by her side at her deathbed, he was not permitted to attend her funeral. Ryan returned home upon his release, greeted by family, with one of his grandchildren presenting him with an urn containing his wife’s ashes.
Born in Iowa and raised in Kankakee, Ryan married his high school sweetheart and followed his father into the pharmacy profession, eventually raising six children. Known for his genuine community spirit, Ryan was remembered by those who knew him as the quintessential family man and a caring neighbor, even volunteering to assist with local newspaper deliveries during his gubernatorial campaign.
Ryan’s political journey began in 1968 when he was appointed to a position on the county board, leading to a swift rise through the political ranks. He served as the speaker of the Illinois House, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and eventually as governor. A politician skilled in bipartisan collaboration, Ryan often prioritized pragmatism over strict party lines, engaging in political negotiations over cigars and drinks.
His career saw significant moments like helping to block the Equal Rights Amendment in the early 1980s, efforts that triggered intense protests at the Capitol. Likewise, his attempts to restrict assault weapons in 1989 and support for gambling expansion depicted his willingness to explore beyond party orthodoxy. As governor, he was the first to visit Cuba post-Fidel Castro, and in 2000, his stance on the death penalty shifted dramatically, leading him to halt executions and initiate reform reviews for the judicial system.
Ultimately, finding no reassurance in reforms, Ryan opted to clear death row with pardons and commutations in early 2003, just before leaving office. “Because the Illinois death penalty system is arbitrary and capricious — and therefore immoral — I no longer shall tinker with the machinery of death,” Ryan remarked.
However, as Ryan received acclaim for his stance, federal investigations honed in on him, eventually charging him with accepting bribes, gifts, and vacations in exchange for political favors, as well as lying to investigators and tax fraud. Many illegal activities were linked to his tenure as secretary of state and included the 1994 tragedy involving six children who perished after a truck driver, licensed through illicit means from Ryan’s office, caused a fatal accident.
Investigations uncovered that Ryan had turned a government office into a campaign resource, with employee contributions often stemming from bribes. His actions after the children’s deaths included dismantling corruption oversight within his office. Later, as governor, he channeled millions towards politically connected figures who reciprocated with lavish gifts and favors. Convicted on all counts in April 2006, Ryan faced widespread criticism for his perceived lack of remorse.
The fallout from Ryan’s scandal had long-term repercussions, undercutting Republican influence and propelling the campaign of Rod Blagojevich, a promising Democrat advocating for reform in Springfield. Ironically, Blagojevich later faced investigations into his own conduct and called for Ryan’s release on clemency grounds.