This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A celebration of life for former state lawmaker Judy Ann Buffmire has been scheduled for Aug. 27 in the Utah Capitol.
Buffmire, the driving force behind legislation requiring insurance companies to offer coverage for mental health services, died May 28 after a long illness, at age 81. A psychologist by profession, Buffmire served in the Utah House from 1993 to 2005, representing the Millcreek area, and was elected assistant minority whip. She also served as president of the Utah Psychological Association from 1999-2000.
In 2000, she sponsored legislation that implemented a requirement for insurers to offer at least some mental health coverage. It was a cause the Democrat had pushed for years before her compromise legislation was passed on the final day of the lawmaking session — with the help of then-Senate President Lane Beattie, a Republican.
House members gave her the rare honor of a standing ovation for her tireless efforts on the measure.
The celebration of life on Aug. 27 is scheduled for 3 p.m. in the Capitol Rotunda and is open to friends, family and colleagues. The family asked that instead of flowers, friends wishing to make contributions do so to the Utah chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or a charity of their choice.
Dan Harrie