Dianne Feinstein: “I offer a few words about the passing of Bob Matsui, one of California's great political leaders. Bob was one of those…”

“I offer a few words about the passing of Bob Matsui, one of California's great political leaders. Bob was one of those people who you always thought would be there. His death has come as a great shock and surprise to many. I extend my deep sorrow to Doris, Brian, and the rest of the Matsui family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Throughout his career his wonderful wife Doris has been by his side. One of the things I remember most about the two of them is the wonderful smile she always had whenever they walked into a room together. They truly were a fine couple. I would also like to offer my sympathy to everyone in the Sacramento area--you were so well served by this wonderful man. He has done a fantastic job representing you in Washington for the last 26 years and before that on the Sacramento City Council. I have known Bob Matsui for a long time. I will remember him as a great human being, as a trusted colleague, as a fine public servant, and someone in whom I was very proud to place friendship, respect, and collegiality. Bob was a superb public servant. He was a thoughtful, constructive leader who brought people together to find solutions for public policy issues. He was a reasoned voice; he was a dependable voice. When we faced a problem related to the Folsom Dam, Bob was one of the most constructive figures in getting that very divided issue settled. Bob was also a good thinker and a strong thinker.”