RIP Henry Hyde

A great man has died. I was honored to shake his hand once in Wilmette. He will be missed. There are too few statesmen these days, he was one of them.

Washington, Nov 29 - House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement on the death of former Congressman Henry Hyde (R-IL):

I have long included Henry Hyde among my heroes, and for the 16 years I served with him in the House, I was honored to call him a mentor, a colleague, and a friend. Henry was a student of American history, a constitutional scholar, a thoughtful legislator, and a passionate orator. But above all, he will be remembered as a gentleman who stood as a beacon for the bedrock principles of liberty, justice, and, above all, respect for life. His work in crafting the Mexico City policy, for example, remains among his most significant accomplishments in Congress, and it will forever be remembered as a defining moment for the pro-life cause.

“What often struck me most about Henry was his keen sense of our nation’s history and of the gifts bestowed on our Republic by the Founding Fathers, whose actions and deeds were never far from his mind. In his respect for the institutional integrity of the House of Representatives, Henry took second place to no one. He was a forceful advocate for maintaining the dignity of the House and for recognizing the sacrifices and struggles Members make while in its service. Indeed, when Henry spoke in Committee or on the House floor, Members on both sides of aisle listened intently – and they learned. And while he had unquestionably strong views on domestic and foreign policy, Henry never allowed political differences to cloud personal relationships.

“Henry served his country with great honor and distinction, and it is only fitting that President Bush awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom just three weeks ago. Hard as it is to let go, we can be comforted knowing that God gave us a man of Henry Hyde’s character who did his patriotic duty to the fullest. I send my thoughts and prayers to the entire Hyde family in their time of loss.”

NOTE: Born in 1924, Rep. Henry Hyde (R-IL) served the 6th District of Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1975 through 2006, serving on the House Judiciary Committee throughout his entire time in Congress. He chaired the Judiciary Committee from 1995 to 2001 and also served as Chairman of the House International Relations Committee from 2001 until his retirement last year. On November 5, President Bush awarded Hyde the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the very highest honor the President can bestow on an American citizen.

UPDATE: From RNHA of Illinois:

The RNHA of Cook joins the general public in mourning the loss of the Honorable Henry Hyde. We thank Henry Hyde for his many years of public service to his district, the State of Illinois and his country.

As Congressman, Henry Hyde was a friend to Hispanics and help promote the fundamental Republican principles which our community values. As keynote speaker at the 2004 Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, sponsored by the RNHA of Illinois, the Honorable Mr. Hyde elaborated on the social and economic contributions of the Hispanic Community.

RNHA of Cook Chairman Angel Garcia stated that “Henry Hyde was a true leader who stood strong in the face of strong opposition. Congressman Hyde will be remembered for his leadership, dedication and character. The RNHA of Cook is honored to have worked with him in the past. The members of the RNHA consider ourselves lucky to have had him speak to our group, to have him inspire our hearts and enlighten our spirits. Congressman Hyde, you will be greatly missed.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Congressman Hyde.

UPDATE: Dan Proft remembers his congressman.

UPDATE: Hyde's good friend, veteran columnist Tom Roeser. And Francis Cardinal George.