Conway, 52, died at his Kaysville home Wednesday night after a lengthy battle with cancer. Even while fighting the disease, Conway found a way to unite disparate groups and form a bold initiative to restore important Utah wildlife habitat.

"Kevin fought a long and courageous battle. I think he had cancer for over six years, but when visiting him you didn't know how down he was because he never complained," Department of Natural Resources director Bob Morgan told DWR employees and the audience of Thursday's Wildlife Board meeting. "I have great respect for the man. You never had to worry about where he stood or what he believed in. I think that is why he was respected so well and why he was able to accomplish as much as he did in as short a period as he was director."

Conway served the state as a conservation officer for 27 years before taking the position of assistant director in 1997. He was appointed director of the state's wildlife management agency in 2002 and immediately made his intentions for the direction of the DWR known.

In a letter addressed to his employees shortly after his appointment as director, Conway stressed the importance of partnerships with other state and federal agencies and with the people the DWR was intended to serve. Conway also mentioned a brave new plan to restore more than 1 million acres of critical sagebrush-steppe habitat in the state.

Even when he wrote that letter, Conway had already been dealing with cancer for several years. He did not get a chance to see the Habitat Initiative in full motion, but he did gain some satisfaction when the first dirt was turned on the project in the past month.

"Kevin left a legacy for wildlife in Utah," said Wildlife Board chairman Max Morgan, speaking on behalf of the entire board. "It is not just a legacy of history in what he accomplished, but a legacy for what is to come. His vision and foresight for the future of wildlife in Utah is one we will all greatly benefit from."

Those close to Conway say his greatest strength was the ability to connect with hunters, nonhunters, anglers and politicians.

"It didn't matter if he was dealing with a livestock owner, fisherman or bird watcher, they all seemed to get along with and trust Kevin," said Dave Hintze, who joined the DWR's law enforcement section in 1975 with Conway. "Part of that ability to relate to people came from being a conservation officer and learning how to read and listen to people. Some of it also came from his trusting personality."

Out of respect to their director, the DWR's law enforcement officers will wear a black band around their badges until Conway is laid to rest.

Nonhunters appreciated Conway because he recognized their presence in state wildlife issues. Hunters liked that Conway remained focused on game species despite ever-increasing attention to nongame animals.

"He was the best director the DWR has had in my lifetime, period," said Don Peay, founder of the pro-hunting group Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife (SFW). "If Utah's mule deer herds return to their former glory over the next 10 years, it will be because of Kevin Conway. The sportsmen of Utah can thank Kevin for his efforts to restore those herds as a priority. He put the sportsmen back in the DWR."

To honor Conway, SFW will name a 440-acre parcel of land recently purchased near Kamas as the Kevin Conway Wildlife Management Area.

Recognizing the end was near, Conway told his employees goodbye in a letter addressed Aug. 25.

"I want to thank you for all the countless hours that you contribute to ensure the success of our wildlife resources and for the professionalism you bring to the Division. At the end of a long day there is seldom anyone at your doorstep waiting to express their appreciation for your efforts," Conway wrote. "Please know that those efforts are ultimately appreciated by the many sportsman and wildlife enthusiasts that eventually admire the wildlife that you strive to enhance and protect. Again, thank you for all that you do for Utah wildlife. It has been great working with you. Best Wishes, Kevin Conway."

bpretty@sltrib.com

Conway remembered

Reaction to the death of Division of Wildlife Resources director Kevin Conway

Debbie Goodman, policy advocate, Utah Audubon Council:

"He identified two of the most challenging, critical wildlife issues in Utah [the Habitat Initiative and wolf management] and approached them in the logical, direct fashion that characterized his personal dealings. I will miss him, but he really will live on in the two programs he initiated."

Bill Christensen, Western Region Field director, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:

"He was a square-shooter with a great vision. He had a great ability to bring differing sides together. He placed no special interest group ahead of the other. I didn't always agree with Kevin, but he always let me know where he was coming from and that is pretty rare in a position that has become so political."

Kirk Robinson, executive director, Western Wildlife Conservancy:

"I disagreed with him on a number of issues, but admired the moral qualities he exhibited as director, especially as he suffered from a fatal illness. He loved wildlife and did his best to protect Utah's wildlife heritage and to serve a diverse public."

George Sommer, president, Utah Bass Federation:

"The thing that struck me the most about Kevin was the fact that he would listen to what you were saying without criticism. He would allow you to finish and then ask questions. He also told it like it was - no sugarcoating and no B.S. This was most refreshing."

Rep. David Ure, R-Kamas:

"Kevin was a gentleman and a statesman in everything he did. He treated me the same as a politician and as a citizen of the state of Utah. The state has lost a real asset. I really, really respected and admired him."

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