Stewart Udall, Early Environmentalist, Kennedy Cabinet Aide, Dead at 90

Stewart Udall, who served two presidents as interior secretary and was part of an accomplished Democratic family, died Saturday in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was 90.

Udall, a leading environmentalist well before the movement took off in the 1970s, was a major player in legislation leading to the Wilderness Act, which to this day protects pristine lands. He also helped expand wildlife refuges and added four parks to the National Park System, the Washington Post said.

Udall was the father of Sen. Tom Udall (D-N,.M), and the brother of the late congressman Mo Udall. He was the last surviving member of President John F. Kennedy's original cabinet, the Post said, and also served under Lyndon Johnson.

President Obama, in a statement, said Udall "inspired countless Americans who will continue his fight for clean air, clean water, and to maintain our many national treasures."