LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- Flags were at half staff across the state of New Mexico Friday after former Gov. Bruce King passed away Friday morning.

King served as New Mexico's governor for twelve years from 1971 to 1974, then again from 1979 to 1982 and finally from 1991 to 1994.

King, who passed away on his ranch in Stanley, was not only a man of politics, but of agriculture. He was a rancher and also a cowboy. As many people visit the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage museum in Las Cruces, they will remember the rancher and former governor as they walk through the doors passing by the sign that says “Bruce King Building.”

“He actually signed the legislation to create this museum and so we were delighted when Gov. Bill Richardson in 2005 decided to name the building after governor King,” said Cameron Saffell, who is the museum's curator of history. O ther close friends and former politicians couldn’t talk highly enough of King.

“He brought this state together like no other governor,” said former mayor of Las Cruces, Reuben Smith.

“He was very active in children's activities,” said Garrey Carruthers who has also served as a New Mexico governor.

Talking with Carruthers and Smith made it clear that even though King was a Democrat, he only saw people as New Mexicans.

“He walked among the people, he was comfortable with the people, they all liked him he was very gregarious,” said Carruthers.

“I don't know of any other governor who got along so well as they say with the other side of the isle,” said Smith. “I mean he had as many close friends on the republican side as the democratic side and I think that's why you found him re-elected.”

King passed away at the age of 85 after being ill for quite some time, but many believe the death of the first lady Alice King less than a year ago may have also played a role.

“He had lost his beloved Alice not too long ago and I guess some of us were concerned that they were so close and worked together for so many years that we were somewhat concerned that he might lose his spirit,” said Carruthers.

“Probably the way it should be since they were so close and every time you saw one you saw the other,” said Smith.

Many may now wonder if New Mexico will ever see another governor like King.

“I don't think so, Bruce is a one of a kind,” said Carruthers.

“To have a tenure to serve as governor 12 years, I doubt if anyone ever does that again,” said Carruthers.