Steve Buyer: “I wish to thank the gentlemen from California (Mr. Lewis) and (Mr. Brown) for bringing this. This is not easy. I think…”

“I wish to thank the gentlemen from California (Mr. Lewis) and (Mr. Brown) for bringing this. This is not easy. I think it is easier for me today than it was for some of us when we went to Sonny's funeral. Sonny had a unique way about him to make every person he met feel as though they were his friend, and that they were his only friend and that they were his best friend. He had a unique ability to do that. He did not care who an individual was. And I think that is why so many people in America feel as though when Sonny passed that we all feel a loss because he had an impact on so many people. Yes, my heart goes out to Mary and the children, but to everyone who feels as though somehow their life has been diminished because of the loss of Sonny Bono. We have also been enriched. I wanted to say here that when I think of my good friend Sonny, his office was right next to mine, we sat next to each other for three years on two different committees, and when I think of Sonny, I think of an individual who is good natured. He had a winning smile and charm. He had the power of the twinkle in his eye. When he got the twinkle in his eye, everyone better look out because he was going to suck us into his excitement. He brings out that youthful excitement. He was a charming, simple person. He had a quiet unassuming way about him. I think it was because even though he recognized his fame, he was humble and gracious because he had lived the peaks and valleys of celebrity status.”