Nick Rahall: “I, like my colleagues from West Virginia, Mrs. Capito and Mr. McKinley, remember Mick Staton as a dedicated public…”

“I, like my colleagues from West Virginia, Mrs. Capito and Mr. McKinley, remember Mick Staton as a dedicated public servant, a son of West Virginia. I enjoyed serving in this body with Mick. He always knew where he stood on a given issue. While he and I were members of different political parties, on principle, we often agreed. He shared the most basic value of true West Virginians, loyalty--loyalty to his faith, to his family, to his friends, to his Nation, and to our State. Mick's word was his bond. Of course, he was a loyal Republican, and as a copper-riveted, rock-ribbed Republican through and through, Mick was always my friend. There is a good lesson in that for our Members today. Our friendship continued to grow after his distinguished service ended in this body. Mr. Speaker, Mick Staton's service to our State of West Virginia never ended, nor did his efforts to bring people together to get things accomplished for West Virginians. He worked hard for that, and his devotion flowed as naturally as a pristine mountain stream. This courteous, cordial fellow--with what could best be described as an award-winning, ever-present smile--had a good way with people. It is no secret to anyone who knew him that all of that warm personality--that sincere charm--stemmed from a good heart. Mick always made a point of delivering a birthday card to me, personally, sometimes in my congressional office. This May, as my birthday approaches, that good heart will be sorely missed.…”