William Egan, the first governor of the state of Alaska, was born on August 8, 1914, in Valdez, Alaska. He was one of six children born to Cora Egan and William Egan, a miner who tragically died in a 1920 avalanche. Growing up in Valdez was not easy for the Egan family, and William began working at a young age to help support his siblings and mother.
Despite the challenges he faced, William Egan was a bright and determined student. He excelled academically and graduated as the valedictorian of his class from Valdez High School. His dedication to his education would lay the foundation for his future success in politics.
After graduating from high school, William Egan continued his education at the University of Alaska, where he studied political science. It was during this time that he became interested in public service and decided to pursue a career in politics. Egan's early experiences working in his community and his academic achievements prepared him for the challenges that lay ahead.
William Egan's political career began in 1959 when he was elected as the first governor of the newly formed state of Alaska. During his first term in office, Egan worked tirelessly to establish a stable government and improve infrastructure in the state. He was a vocal advocate for Alaskan rights and played a key role in securing federal funding for various development projects.
After serving as governor from 1959 to 1966, William Egan was re-elected to office in 1970 and served another term until 1974. During his second term, Egan focused on economic development and improving education and healthcare services for Alaskans. He was known for his pragmatism and his ability to work across party lines to achieve his goals.
One of William Egan's most notable achievements was his coordination of disaster response teams in the aftermath of the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake, one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded. Egan's quick and decisive action helped save countless lives and earned him praise from both his constituents and fellow politicians.
William Egan was a devoted husband and father. He was married to Desdia Neva McKittrick for over four decades, and together they had two children, a daughter named Elin and a son named Dennis, who would go on to follow in his father's footsteps and become a politician.
William Egan's legacy as the first governor of Alaska is one of determination, leadership, and service. He played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the state and his impact is still felt today. Egan's commitment to public service and his ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds serve as a lasting example for future generations of Alaskans.
Overall, William Egan's contributions to the state of Alaska and his dedication to improving the lives of its residents have left an indelible mark on the history of the region. His legacy as a statesman and leader will continue to inspire Alaskans for generations to come.