Pelosi Eulogy for Former Congressman Ed Pastor

Speaker-designate Pelosi.  Thank you Verma, Yvonne and Laura for the privilege to say a few words, to bring the condolences of my colleagues in the Congress of the United States, our colleagues across the Capitol, around the country, for the loss of this great man.  As we gather here today, right now, a flag is being flown over the Capitol in honor of the life and the legacy of Ed Pastor.

The flag waves in honor of his patriotism, his love for America, his protection of our troops and our veterans as a Member of the Intelligence Committee and the Appropriations Committee that he served in as Congress.  As that flag waves, those waves honor him as a trailblazer: the first family member to attend college.  He wanted that American Dream for every child in America and that was his work in the Congress.

As that flag waves, it waves in honor of him as the first Hispanic American to represent Arizona in the Congress of the United States.  He took such pride in his heritage.  He took the responsibility to mentor others and I'm so proud of the – [Congressman] Raul Grijalava is the dean of delegation now and his successor in Congress is here today.

The waves in honor of him as the first – a pioneer to do so many things – one of the first to call the attention of the nation to the plight of our Dreamers.  Years ago, early on, he made the case that recognizing his heritage, their courage, all of it, in terms of newcomers to our country.  That beautiful diversity of America with its faith, its courage, its determination to make the future better.  As newcomers come, it makes America more American.

The Gospel of Matthew is so appropriate because that was such a part of Ed Pastor's work in the Congress of the United States: the least of our brothers.

So many of our colleagues are here from the House and I wish to acknowledge them.  I mentioned Raul Grijalva; Ruben Gallego; our new Member, Congressman-elect Greg Stanton; Mike Honda, a former Member; Charlie Gonzales; Silvestre Reyes; the list goes on and on.

How wonderful to have so many members of the official family who loved and respected Ed so greatly.  Two of our United States Senators, Senator Flake and Senator Kyl.  The Governor of the state.  Cindy McCain.  All in tribute to the greatness of him but also to his bipartisanship and his respect for everyone's point of view and his humor and how he brought us all together.

He was on the Intelligence Committee and he was the father of the Appropriations Committee.  He was the cardinal on the transportation housing - it's called THUD [transportation, housing, and urban development subcommittee] so when that light rail went by, that's what is known as an earmark –

[Laughter]

It is interesting that he wanted something in that category – it's interesting to me that on this card they have a quote from the Rolling Stones on the back.  Not this one, but another one Ed used to say to us, ‘You don't always get what you want, but make sure you always get what you need.  You may not get everything you want from me, but everything you get, you got from me.'

[Laughter]

He could be assertive in that way.

But in any event, when he decided to leave us it was heartbreaking for us because – the Congress I'm talking about – fifteen years ago.  Everything he did, and this is why he was so fabulous, he was about culture and faith, first and foremost, but everything he did he made more wonderful by making it community-oriented and in his community he took such pride and the pride he took in the entering young people.  He told them, ‘Be not afraid.'  By his example, he showed that it could be done.  By his example, he also showed them how to do it.  He influenced many young leaders, not just in the Hispanic community, but that would be a gift enough.

This was a great man so when he decided to leave us, it was so sad but how could we compete with his family?  That would be impossible for us to do.  You should know, family, that he talked about you all the time.  He took such great pride in – of course they were a team, he and Verma.  That's the way it is and has been and will always be.  His daughters, his grandchildren, the whole family.  We couldn't possibly compete with that but we did know that he wanted to go home and now he has gone home to heaven.  And that is something we should take great joy in even though our hearts are broken that he has left us.

To the family, my greatest sympathy, love from all the Members of the Congress of the United States.  The flag did not come because I wanted it to fly while we were here today.  But I hope it is a comfort that so many people share your loss.  I know thousands were here last night and a full house here today.  How Ed would have loved it.  He would love it – well I believe he does see it – I know he'd probably want me to be short so I won't go on long.

[Laughter]

I was talking to my husband on the way over and he thought Ed was his best friend and Ed and him had become pals and it was always about cigars and tequila.

[Laughter]

My husband thought he was the only one.  But as I was talking to other Members telling them I was coming here today they would say, ‘don't forget to tell them about the cigars and the tequila.'  That's the way it was.  He made everyone feel like they were the only one.

God has blessed us with the life and service of Ed Pastor.  We are all blessed with that.  He has truly blessed America with his service and leadership.

Thank you.