Oklahomans celebrate the legacy of David Boren

About 600 family, friends, and dignitaries filled the seats of St. Luke’s Methodist Church Saturday afternoon as everyone came together to celebrate the life of David Boren.  

The common theme seemed to be his ability to make people laugh and bring peace in sometimes tense situations for many who knew him.  

“He gave a speech and when he came to the end of that speech, I was fired up. He came to the end of that speech and I was ready to storm the gates of hell with a squirt gun,” said Dr. Robert E. Long, who provided scripture reading at the service.  

Former U.S. Sen. Don Nickles, who served 14 of his 24 years in the Senate with Boren said, “I think he can laugh about anything and, you know, we would have some times. It would be pretty tense and so on, and he always had a little laughter that would maybe kind of break the tension if we're having challenges getting things done in the senate.”

Others remembered him as being a huge support in their time of need.   

“I was struggling as a Republican Speaker trying to deal with a Democrat senate and a Democrat governor and David was a very good friend to me,” said Todd Hiett, who would bond with Boren throughout their time in the political arena.  

As president of the University of Oklahoma, Boren was influential in the expansion of the university to Tulsa.  

Working with him on this project had an impact on then colleague, Kari Boyce, who said he provided many people the opportunity to serve in a meaningful way. 

Soloists and ensembles provided musical selections throughout the service. 

In his obituary, the family said that although his name has not appeared on a ballot since 1990 and he retired from the University of Oklahoma several years ago, they are overwhelmed at the many tributes pouring in since his death.  

The family stated they are grateful.