Howard Berman: “I am still shaken by the news of the passing of our colleague, the arbitrariness of it all, and almost the whimsical…”

“I am still shaken by the news of the passing of our colleague, the arbitrariness of it all, and almost the whimsical nature that someone so vibrant and so healthy could all of a sudden be gone. I think Walter had something very instructive for the rest of us... One message of Walter's life is that one does not have to trim his sails, one does not have to compromise his fundamental principles to win a tough election, that he goes out there and says what he thinks and convinces people of the wisdom of his ideas and the principle and depth of his conviction, and he can be successful in the political process. Another thing Walter meant for me was sort of the serenity in the midst of all the frenetic behavior that exists in this business and in this Chamber... Lois, you and the children perhaps more than anybody have the ability to continue Walter's legacy in whatever you choose to do. I know you will miss him greatly. We all will. Our thoughts are with you.”