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Former state Senate Majority Whip Dan Eastman died unexpectedly Monday evening of a heart attack, officials confirmed Wednesday.
Ric Cantrell, Senate chief of staff, said that around 6:30 p.m. Eastman was driving on Redwood Road and evidently went into diabetic shock, which precipitated the heart attack.
"A kindhearted Hispanic lady pulled over and recognized his condition and called 911," Cantrell said, "but he was gone by the time the paramedics got there."
Eastman, a 64-year-old Bountiful Republican, served in the Senate from 2000 to 2008, representing Davis County's District 23. He chose to retire because of his health.
Sen. John Valentine, R-Orem, remembers him fondly.
"He was majority whip for the whole four years I was Senate president," Valentine said. "He was always reminding us to be fair."
Valentine said he saw Eastman earlier this spring.
"He was battling health problems but he had that twinkle in his eye again," Valentine said. "He was such a dear friend."
Eastman's influence extended well beyond Capitol Hill.
"He was a great man," said Reed Martineau, a Salt Lake City-based attorney. "I'll miss my associations with him."
Martineau and Eastman share a family tie — Martineau's son Brent married Eastman's daughter Maegen.
About a year ago, Maegen had donated a kidney to Eastman and he was doing well, Martineau said.
Well known for his car dealerships, Senate colleagues valued his business sense and fix-it mentality.
"He had a very practical understanding of business and regulations and what we could do to make things better," said Sen. Lyle Hillyard, R-Logan.
"He was good at working out reconciliations and always had a great sense of humor."
Cantrell agreed.
"He hated politics and loved public service," Cantrell said.
Eastman leaves behind his wife, Claudette, five children and several grandchildren.
Details on funeral arrangements
A viewing will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 N. Main St., Bountiful.
A second viewing will be 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Bountiful Utah Central Stake Center, 640 S. 750 East, followed by a funeral at 11:00 a.m.