Marcy Kaptur: “I want to thank Chairman Mica so very much for the privilege of extending the deepest condolences of the people of Ohio…”

“I want to thank Chairman Mica so very much for the privilege of extending the deepest condolences of the people of Ohio to the Young family, to the constituents of Congressman Bill Young's district in Florida. It was such a privilege to know him. Truly, he was not just a vigilant patriot, though that surely would have been enough, but he really was a man of the House. He belonged here, and his people knew that for over four decades. When I think of Bill Young, I think of words like ``courage,'' ``perseverance,'' ``insight,'' and ``fair play.'' He had a gentlemanly demeanor at any time that I ever encountered him. He had a respect for regular order, for the gavel, and for seniority, which I share. He had a fortitude about him that people in my part of the country call real ``spunk,'' and he had a sparkle in his eye and an easy smile and an understanding. He was such a real human being. Part of that is the fact that he grew up very poor in Pennsylvania in a coal town in an old shack. He really knew what poverty was. He didn't have an easy childhood and he never forgot that. Yet he rose to be a master appropriator. In that capacity, he was not imperious but collegial, and he handled the gavel with fair play. He loved his wife, Beverly, so much. I can still see her sitting in the gallery or coming unannounced into a committee meeting. He loved his family and he loved Florida.…”