Utah's only governor to serve a full three terms, the 93-year-old Democrat has been in hospice care with an inoperable kidney tumor.

His son, Tony, said Friday that Rampton had the stroke Wednesday afternoon, resulting in some paralysis on his right side.

"He has some difficulty expressing himself," Tony Rampton said.

While his family does not know whether the condition is temporary or permanent, the former governor apparently is "stable," "alert" and not in great pain. He also is taking visitors.

Tony Rampton added that his father even went to the common room Friday morning for breakfast. "He never bellyaches or complains."

Utahns first elected Cal Rampton in 1964. He is best remembered for modernizing the state's higher-education system and streamlining the state bureaucracy.

His stature in Democratic circles remains large, even after more than 30 years away from the governor's office.

Friends and family have reported his health has declined since his wife, Lucybeth, died in 2004. The two were known for being compassionate and classy.

The former governor told The Salt Lake Tribune last month, "I don't have long to go."

Family members have stayed close to his side since his stroke Wednesday.

"We're all taking it one day at a time," said Tony Rampton. "That is all we can do."

fahys@sltrib.com