James Pickle: “Tip O'Neill was one of the warmest, best like Speakers that we have ever had. He was a real people person. Warm…”

“Tip O'Neill was one of the warmest, best like Speakers that we have ever had. He was a real people person. Warm, friendly, kind, and understanding, Tip showed great compassion and dedication to public service. He liked to admit that he was a politician and ``proud of it!'' Every Member of Congress who ever served with him respected him, including Republicans. He was their target, but they knew he would fight fair, and they respected and loved him for it. When I was first elected to Congress, Tip O'Neill's office was directly across the hall from mine, and we have been close friends since 1963. Here are some of my recollections. First, he made time for everyone and anyone--no matter who they were or what their station. I remember the time he came over to autograph the old pump organ that stands in the corner of my office. He did not just rush in, sign the organ and rush out. He stayed to swap stories and tell jokes with my staff. Here was the Speaker of the House using his valuable time. But he did not quit there, he then posed for pictures with the staff, which were later returned hand signed in gold ink for each of them. They were star struck but I told them that was just Tip.”