Former lawmaker memorialized

Former Nevada Assemblyman John Marvel is being remembered as a gravelly-voiced cowboy with a big heart.

A conservative Republican from Battle Mountain who defended farmers and ranchers was memorialized Thursday by his former colleagues in the chamber where he served for 30 years.

Marvel died in March at the age of 86.

First elected in 1978, Marvel represented mostly Humboldt and Lander County for years before his district was stretched west all the way to Washoe County to include part of Sparks after 2000 redistricting.

In 2003, he was among a handful of Republicans who crossed party lines to break a seven-week budget impasse and approve an $836-million tax increase.

Colleagues recalled with fondness his statesmanship, love of Nevada and devotion to his wife and family.