[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 158 (Wednesday, November 10, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2346]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E2346]]
                    IN TRIBUTE TO WALTER P. KENNEDY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 9, 1999

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month we in the House received 
heartbreaking news about the death of Walter P. Kennedy Jr.
  Walter was Minority Sergeant of Arms when I began my career here in 
1973. He was always willing and eager to help out fledgling freshman 
Members, and was of incalculable help in assisting us learn the ins and 
outs of life in the Congress. Much of the advice he gave us saved hours 
of time as he showed us the short cuts so crucial to us as we assumed 
the burdens of office.
  When Walter retired in 1993, he was concluding a highly successful 43 
year career in the House, which began when he was appointed 
Administrative Assistant to Rep. Gordon Canfield of New Jersey. 
Eventually, Walter moved on to the leadership offices where he served 
as minority Sergeant at Arms under four Minority Leaders--Charles 
Halleck, Gerald Ford, John Rhodes, and Bob Michel.
  Walter led a full, productive life, devoting countless hours to the 
Boy Scouts, to the Catholic Committee on Scouting, to various parish 
activities at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, and the Knights of 
Columbus. After retiring from the House, Walter began a new career as 
Chairman and CEO of The Kennedy Group Companies, a political 
consulting, fundraising and public relations firm.
  Walter was born in England to Irish parents 78 years ago, and came 
with his family to Paterson, New Jersey at the age of 3. He served with 
distinction in World War II as an army medic in the European theater. 
He subsequently graduated from Seton Hall University and the Georgetown 
University law school.
  Walter married Ana L. Bou of Kensington, Maryland, in 1946. Ana and 
Walter remained together until his death, enjoying a 53 year union 
which produced seven children, and 12 grandchildren.
  To Walter's extended family, Mr. Speaker, we extend our deepest 
condolences, with the recognition that his loss is felt by many of us 
whose lives Walter P. Kennedy had touched.