David Price: “I thank my colleague, and I hope that what is coming through these tributes today is the human qualities of Clarence…”

“I thank my colleague, and I hope that what is coming through these tributes today is the human qualities of Clarence Lightner. There was no question he exerted strong leadership and a visionary leadership. But one reason he had the impact that he did, and that so many people, like us, who regarded him as a mentor and a friend and a shaping force in their lives, is because of his human warmth and generosity of spirit and extraordinary sense of humor and an ability to bring out the best in people, and a desire to see people do their best. He did not need to claim the credit himself. He was very good at bringing along people and letting them shine. There are many, many people in North Carolina whose lives have been enriched by this man and who join us in mourning his passing. So, Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the time to offer this tribute today; and it is entirely fitting that we gather here to honor Clarence Lightner, to testify as to what he has meant in our lives and to bear witness to what he has meant to North Carolina and the Nation.”