Idaho leaders react to death of Micron’s Appleton

Micron Chairman and CEO Steve Appleton died in a plane crash at the Boise International Airport Feb. 3. Below are reactions by Idaho leaders in business, politics and education.

Idaho Gov. Butch Otter and First Lady Lori Otter:
“Idaho has lost a true champion, a great friend, and a visionary businessman. Steve was someone who understood the value as well as the cost of excellence. He lived life to the fullest, and while he enjoyed great success in business and in life, he never lost his intensity or his drive. Our hearts go out to his wife Dalynn and the rest of his family – including his extended family at Micron Technology and the many lives he touched throughout the world.”

Boise Mayor Dave Bieter:
“Steve Appleton was a dynamic leader who skillfully guided Micron through both prosperous and difficult times. He was a philanthropist and a great friend to Boise. He will be remembered as a major force in Idaho history — a man who transformed our state’s economy by redefining what is possible for Idaho business. Idaho’s future will be brighter because of Steve Appleton.  My heart goes out to his family and the employees of Micron around the world.”

Bill Connors, President and CEO of the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce:
“The entire Chamber family is shocked and saddened by the passing of Steve Appleton.  Steve’s long support of the Boise Metro Chamber and the Boise Valley Economic Partnership are just two of many community organizations and causes that Steve Appleton played a major role in.  Steve was a community leader, business leader, thought leader and was a large part of what has made Boise a seat of innovation and creativity.  He was an example to all of us what great corporate citizens can do to transform their companies, and their communities.  The entire business community has lost a great leader, visionary and friend.  Our sympathies go out to the Appleton family.”

Boise State University President Bob Kustra:
“Boise State lost one of its own today. A former Bronco tennis player who never forgot his alma mater, Steve graduated in business and went on to lead one of the nation’s premier companies and enrich in so many ways the community he called home. He played a critical role in transforming Boise State into a research university serving the tech economy of Idaho. I valued his friendship, his generous support, and especially the advice and counsel he provided me personally as we navigated our way through the recent recession. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dalynn, his children and his family as well as his colleagues at Micron.”

University of Idaho President Duane Nellis:

“Steve Appleton was a real Idaho gem who, through hard work and vision, rose to lead Micron and further Idaho’s technological foundation Idaho in the process. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Dalynn, his children and his family.”

Idaho’s congressional delegation, Reps. Mike Simpson and Raul Labrador and Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch:

“Like the rest of Idaho, we are stunned and deeply saddened by the news of Steve Appleton’s sudden death, and we join his family and the Micron employees in mourning this huge loss. Steve Appleton was to Idaho what Steve Jobs was to America.  His innovation, positive attitude and forward thinking approach will be greatly missed.”

Former governor Dirk Kempthorne:

“I am shocked and saddened by the news of Steve Appleton’s death.

“Steve was an integral and positive force in Idaho business and in the Idaho community overall. His energy, vision and enthusiasm will be greatly missed.

“Steve was a strong supporter of education in the state. And his philanthropy was directed in many ways. The Appleton Tennis Center at Boise State serves as just one example. Without a doubt, Idaho is stronger and better because of him.

“Patricia and I will hold Steve, Dalynn and their beautiful children in our thoughts and prayers.

“We have lost a great business leader and a great man.”

College of Western Idaho President Bert Glandon:

“The College of Western Idaho community is somber and saddened today, as we learned of the tragic passing of Steve Appleton. Steve was not only a leader and innovator for Idaho industry over the past 30 years, but his commitment and passion to developing the Treasure Valley will have a lasting impact on the state of Idaho. The students, faculty, and staff at CWI have been fortunate enough to feel the wide spread reach of his generosity, thanks to continued support from one of Steve’s creations; The Micron Foundation. His guidance and commitment to providing access to advancing technical education will support students for generations to come. The entire CWI community would like to extend condolences to his wife Dalynn and the rest of his family, along with the countless Micron employees whose lives were positively touched by Steve.”

Micron Technology’s Board of Directors:

We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Appleton, Micron Chairman and CEO, passed away this morning in a small plane accident in Boise. He was 51.

Our hearts go out to his wife, Dalynn, his children and his family during this tragic time.

Steve’s passion and energy left an indelible mark on Micron, the Idaho community and the technology industry at large.

Below are several reactions from prominent Idaho leaders and organizations on Twitter and Facebook:

Jay Larsen, president of the Idaho Technology Council, whose membership included Micron:

“Steve possessed a great fighting spirit and the vision to build a stronger Micron, a stronger community, and a stronger Idaho. Through my association with Steve, I saw how much he cared about Idaho and the Boise community. His support of the Idaho Technology Council was only one of many community organizations and causes that Steve was involved in. Steve Appleton’s finger prints are forever stamped on innovation and technology in Idaho.”

Mark Solon, co-founder and managing partner with Highway 12 Ventures:

Idaho has lost an amazing man today.

Tom Luna, Idaho’s Superintendent of Public Instruction:

My thoughts & prayers are w/ Steve Appleton’s family. He was a true leader, & I am grateful for his work on behalf of Idaho students.

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