David Durenberger: “I rise today to pay tribute to Robert Matteson, a truly distinguished statesman and public servant who died at his home…”

“I rise today to pay tribute to Robert Matteson, a truly distinguished statesman and public servant who died at his home in Saint in Paul last Monday, after a battle with Parkinson's disease. Throughout the 79 years of his life, Bob Matteson was a man who used every ounce of his potential to contribute to the public good. His career was as long as it was distinguished. Most notably, Bob served as director of the White House disarmament staff under President Eisenhower, and as Chief of Staff for the Foreign Operations Administration--which was directed by former Minnesota Gov. Harold Stassen. It was Bob who suggested the creation of a permanent disarmament agency to President Eisenhower, and he was instrumental in the disarmament policy of the Kennedy administration. But the wonderful example of Bob Matteson's life is about a lot more than his national security and Government career. Bob was also an avid outdoorsman, making canoe trips on Lake Superior, down the Mississippi River, and across Canada all the way to the Bering Sea.”