Chief Justice Mark Cady. Photo courtesy of Iowa Judicial Branch website

Iowans and politicians have looked back fondly this month at the life of Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady, whose sudden death came as a shock to many, including the state’s Lieutenant Governor.

Lt. Governor Adam Gregg says he first got to know Cady while attending law school at Drake University. As a third year student Gregg was paired with Cady to write a law review article, “He’s somebody who’s been a very positive influence throughout my professional career ever since then. When I served as state public defender immediately before I became lieutenant governor, Justice Cady and I would have a lunch or breakfast about quarterly to talk about issues surrounding the administration of criminal justice. And it gave us an opportunity not only to develop our personal relationship, but to improve the criminal justice system in the State of Iowa.”

Gregg says their relationship became more meaningful after Cady administered the oath of office when he was sworn in as lieutenant governor earlier this year. He adds that Cady was an outstanding public servant for the state, very important to him personally, and will be missed by Governor Kim Reynolds and himself.