Orrin Hatch: “I have to say that Howard Liebengood was one of my dear friends and I think he was a dear friend to virtually everybody…”

“I have to say that Howard Liebengood was one of my dear friends and I think he was a dear friend to virtually everybody in the Senate on both sides of the aisle. What a good man. What can I say about Howard Liebengood? That he was a loving, caring family man who placed his lovely wife, Deanna, and their wonderful children, Howie, John, and Ann, above all else? That he was the consummate Capitol insider, who managed to retain humility and kindness while rising to the pinnacle of Washington's power structure? That he was an accomplished lawyer, businessman, and military hero who never forgot his small-town roots in this often heartless big town? That he was a man of faith, whose church was a source of strength in the hardest of times? I can say all of these things--and more. I have been proud and humbled to call Howard Liebengood a friend. He was a trusted adviser to me and so many other Senators. He was my neighbor in Virginia, and we often drove to work together. When I had my Achilles' tendon rupture--completely severed my tendon--Howard and I rode together every day. Those were some of the most wonderful times I've had. We shared some wonderful times; I always looked forward to his keen observations and his wry good wit and very strong intelligence. I knew what many in this body knew about Howard, that we could always count on him to listen, and care, and act--not in his own self-interest, but for the greater good.”