She thanked family, friends, state workers, citizens - just about everyone - for their work in making Utah a better place to live. She highlighted her favorite cause, education, and plugged her proposal to reform taxes. She touched on larger issues, but also reminisced about standing in streams to check water quality and about a boy who called her "the governor who makes us read."

It was typical Walker style: part politician, part grandmother, part neighbor next door.

"Yes, I leave the governorship with wonderful memories, but I also leave with the strong conviction that the future of Utah is secure because of the people who live here," Walker said in Wednesday's televised farewell address. It lasted about eight minutes.

"I hope the steps I have taken have left footprints that will remind us of the obligations we have to ourselves, our families and our communities. I hope that children across this state will believe they can one day fill these shoes or those of any other position of leadership. The future is theirs."

In an intimate gathering at the Governor's Mansion Library, without dignitaries or pomp, Walker, the former lieutenant governor and a four-term legislator, wanted to chat more about others than herself.

"I marvel at the quality of individuals I have worked with," she said. "This brings me to the realization that here in Utah because of our foundation of integrity, hard work, perseverance, fiscal prudence and vision, we can solve any problems."

Walker assumed the role of chief executive after then-Gov. Mike Leavitt was appointed administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. She leaves office Jan. 3 as Gov.-elect Jon Huntsman Jr. takes over the helm of the Beehive State. Despite her age of 74, she had longed to continue as governor, but lost her bid at the Republican Convention. There was no looking back to that point in her speech Wednesday.

Instead, she continued to push her initiatives. With only days left in charge, Walker wanted to ensure that everyone knew she wasn't giving up.

"We must continue the effort to recognize that every child must master the basic skills if we are to meet the needs of the growing numbers of students entering our education system," she said, promoting job growth in tandem with focus on education.

And she urged the Legislature to take her tax-reform proposal seriously, promising that it would make Utah a more desirable place for jobs and level out the roller-coaster of the economy.

After the address, Walker - who said she is taking two weeks after the change in leadership to golf in St. George - said she had wanted to stick to thanking people for their efforts, but, "I couldn't resist a little bit of advice."

As for regrets, Walker said there were a few. "There's some things I wish I could have got done," she said, including banning storage of nuclear rods in Utah waste sites and starting Legacy Highway.

But Walker didn't regret taking a more active role than some predicted she would.

"If I had been a caretaker, I could hear the comment [later on], 'Well, we had a woman governor for a short time and I don't remember anything she did.' ''

Walker's husband and self-appointed "First Lad," Myron Walker, stayed in the background for most of the speech.

But he was there at the end to congratulate the governor. "Well done," he said.

tburr@sltrib.com

Excerpts from the speech

* After three or four years of famine, the last year has been one of outstanding job growth. However, we cannot become complacent. We must recognize that quality jobs are only possible with outstanding education systems.

* I urge the Legislature to seriously consider looking to the future by passing tax policies that will provide greater financial stability for our state. We have presented a plan that will broaden the base and lower tax rates, which will make Utah a more desirable place to provide quality jobs while leveling the highs and the lows of the economy.

* I hope the steps I have taken have left footprints that will remind us of the obligations we have to ourselves, our families and our communities. I hope that children across this state will believe they can one day fill these shoes or those of any other position of leadership.