By DEBORAH BAKER, Associated Press Writer

SANTA FE, N.M. -- Former New Mexico Gov. Bruce King, a folksy cattle rancher who served more time as governor than anyone else and became an institution in state politics, died Friday. He was 85.

Attorney General Gary King announced his father's death.

King was a Democrat who served three terms that spanned three decades. He was in office in 1971-74, 1979-82 and 1991-94.

King was with family members at his ranch in Stanley when he died Friday morning. His death comes less than a year after the death of his wife of 61 years.

"None of us in the family thought this day would come so soon after we lost my mom, Alice King, but we are comforted by the thought that Bruce and Alice can be together once again," Gary King said in a statement released by his office.

King had been ill and was recovering from a heart procedure in September to adjust the pacemaker that was implanted after he had a heart attack in 1997.

King was known for the sharp political mind behind his country-boy manner. He was famous for entering restaurants and greeting people table-by-table with a vigorous handshake and a down-home, "How y'all doing? Fine. Fine."

He also was known for his malapropisms, once telling a lawmaker that the lawmaker's proposal could "open up a whole box of Pandoras."

King told The Associated Press in 2005 at a Moriarty restaurant, where he and family members met for morning coffee for decades, that he was happy to be known for working with New Mexico's diverse groups and political parties.

He retained programs he liked from governors who preceded him, occasionally keeping key personnel, whether from a Democratic or Republican regime.

Details about memorial services were pending.