[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 45 (Thursday, April 21, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 21, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM H. NATCHER

                                 ______


                         HON. ROMANO L. MAZZOLI

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 21, 1994

  Mr. MAZZOLI. Mr. Speaker, I commend to the attention of my colleagues 
a tribute to the late William H. Natcher written by a very dear friend 
of mine from Louisville, who is also an eminently and nationally 
renowned pediatrician, Dr. Billy F. Andrews.
  Dr. Andrews has written eloquently about a giant of the Congress and 
a revered political figure in Kentucky. I am sure all of my colleagues 
will enjoy Dr. Andrews' words about our late colleague, Bill Natcher.

           Tribute to U.S. Representative William H. Natcher

       A perfect gentleman of the old school when duty, honor and 
     country were highly respected and service in government one 
     of the highest expressions of that responsibility, such was 
     U.S. Representative William H. Natcher of Kentucky. Truly a 
     giant has passed from us. Many of his peers and many people 
     would call him ``noblest member of the American Congress, a 
     true servant of the people.'' When many spoke with this 
     respect or lack of confidence in our elected representatives, 
     we could all point with pride to our Representative William 
     H. Natcher as a man with great integrity, ability and wisdom. 
     He will be greatly missed.
       He once gave me a profound statement about his philosophy 
     of life which I would like to share: ``I want to wear out, 
     never to rust out. While I burn my candle on both ends, I 
     hope to be able to enjoy every flicker of the flame of 
     life.''
       That he did!
       My response was the poem in ``Ideals and Inspirations'':


                 let your life like a burning candle be

     Let your life like a burning candle be
     To cast light upon time for all to see.
     Let it have a wide base that is strong
     With a wick and enough wax to make it long.
     Let its base have a deep, deep cup
     Upon which the melted wax may sup
     To then prolong the flicker and the flame
     To capture actions worthy of your name;
     And, if fate is generous, to give you fame.
       We must try to live up to his example of high moral 
     standards and conduct and be grateful for the life of service 
     he gave to us. ``Rest well thou good and faithful servant.'' 
     There are many who loved you.

                          ____________________