William L. Guy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Guy
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| Chair of the National Governors Association | |
| In office July 4, 1966 – October 16, 1967 |
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| Preceded by | John Reed |
| Succeeded by | John Volpe |
| 26th Governor of North Dakota | |
| In office January 4, 1961 – January 2, 1973 |
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| Lieutenant | Ike Hagen Frank Wenstrom Charles Tighe Richard Larsen |
| Preceded by | John Davis |
| Succeeded by | Arthur Link |
| Member of the North Dakota House of Representatives | |
| In office 1959–1961 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
William Lewis Guy
September 30, 1919 Devils Lake, North Dakota, U.S. |
| Died | April 26, 2013 (aged 93) West Fargo, North Dakota, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Jean Mason (1943–2013) |
| Education | North Dakota State University (BS) University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (MS) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Navy |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
William Lewis Guy (born September 30, 1919 – died April 26, 2013) was an American politician. He served as the governor of the U.S. state of North Dakota from 1961 to 1973. William Guy was the longest-serving governor in North Dakota's history. He held the office for a total of 12 years.
Contents
Who Was William Guy?
Early Life and Education
William Guy was born in Devils Lake, North Dakota. He went to North Dakota Agricultural College (NDAC). There, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree.
Military Service and Early Career
During World War II, Guy served in the U.S. Navy. He was a gunnery officer and reached the rank of lieutenant. After the war, he earned a master's degree from the University of Minnesota.
He then worked as an assistant county agent for Cass County. In 1948, he started farming near Amenia, North Dakota with his wife, Jean Mason. They married on January 30, 1943. William Guy also taught agricultural economics at NDAC during the winter.
Entering Politics
William Guy began his political career in the North Dakota House of Representatives. He served one term from 1959 to 1961. During this time, he was the assistant minority leader.
William Guy's Time as Governor
Modernizing North Dakota
William Guy was elected governor on the Democratic-Nonpartisan League ticket. His election helped create a two-party system in North Dakota. He served two two-year terms and two four-year terms.
As governor, Guy worked to modernize the state government. He created the new Office of Management and Budget. This office helps manage the state's money and plans.
Improving Healthcare and Tourism
During his time, the number of patients at the state hospital was greatly reduced. It went from 2,600 to 600 patients. Eight new mental health centers were also opened across the state.
Governor Guy also helped organize the "Old West Trail Tourist Loop." This was a plan to promote tourism across five states.
Big Projects and Economic Growth
Many large projects came to North Dakota while Guy was governor. These included parts of the interstate highway system. Also, 350 Minuteman missiles and an anti-ballistic missile site were built. The Garrison Diversion project, which helps with water management, also moved forward.
Guy played a key role in bringing three sugar beet refineries to North Dakota. He also helped bring large coal-fired power plants. These projects boosted the state's economy.
National and International Roles
President Lyndon B. Johnson chose Governor Guy to observe the first presidential elections in South Vietnam. This showed his importance on a national level.
Guy also started the idea for the North Dakota Heritage Center. This center helps preserve and share the state's history. He also created the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award. This is North Dakota's highest honor.
In 1962, Governor Guy organized and led the first "Midwest Governors' Conference." In 1966, he was elected chairman of the National Governors' Conference.
Later Life
After serving as governor, William Guy ran for the United States Senate in 1974, but he was not successful. He passed away on April 26, 2013, at the age of 93, in West Fargo, North Dakota.
See also
- North Dakota United States Senate election, 1974
- Politics of North Dakota
