[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 14, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E294-E295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 THE PASSING OF GOVERNOR MALCOLM WILSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 14, 2000

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep regret that I inform our 
colleagues of the passing of one of the outstanding political leaders 
of New York State over the past century.
  Malcolm Wilson was first elected to our New York State Assembly in 
1938, at the young age of 24, representing a portion of Westchester 
County. Throughout his 20 years as a member of that chamber, he earned 
a statewide reputation for his honesty, integrity, and for his thorough 
understanding of our legislative process.
  Malcolm Wilson was known as a superb debater, a skill he honed during 
his years as a star member of the debate team at Fordham University in 
the Bronx.
  In the years following World War II, I came to know Malcolm Wilson 
quite well, as he was the coordinator of our Young Republican 
organization for the 9th Judicial District of New York. In that 
position, he impressed us all with his leadership and organizational 
skills.
  In 1958, many leaders throughout New York State considered Malcolm 
Wilson their logical choice for Governor. But the nomination that year 
was won instead by Nelson Rockefeller, who brought to his candidacy 
extensive experience in the business world and in the State Department, 
but none in the legislative process. Accordingly, Rockefeller 
recognized that Malcolm Wilson would be a superb Lieutenant Governor, 
due to the universal respect held for him in the legislature and his 
skill at maneuvering bills into law.
  For 15 years, Malcolm Wilson served faithfully as our State's 
Lieutenant Governor. Often, during the end of that tenure, Malcolm 
cracked that he was number two ``longer than Avis.'' But no one 
disputed his dedication to the cause of good government.
  Late in 1973, when Governor Rockefeller resigned from office, Malcolm 
Wilson became the 50th Governor of New York State. While he brought his 
common sense principles to the Governor's mansion, he was denied 
election to a full term as Governor the following fall. It was the only 
time in his career that Malcolm Wilson lost an election.
  Upon his passing yesterday, William Harrington, who served a decade 
as his legal counsel during the Lieutenant Governor years, stated: 
``When Malcolm spoke, people listened. I don't think there was anyone 
more learned about state government than Malcolm Wilson.''

[[Page E295]]

  Mr. Speaker, during my own years as a New York State Assemblyman, 
Malcolm Wilson served as a great inspiration and was of immense 
assistance to our efforts. I can well remember that his door was always 
open to me or to any other legislator who sought his assistance.
  In addition to being an outstanding public servant, Malcolm Wilson 
was a courageous veteran, having served in our Navy during World War 
II. He served on an ammunition ship and participated in the invasion of 
Normandy.
  Malcolm was also a devoted husband to his wife, Katherine, who he 
married in 1941 and who died in 1980.
  Gov. Malcolm Wilson was also known for his dedication to his faith. 
He was a trustee at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City and was an 
active member of St. Denis Church in Yonkers. He was a major sponsor of 
State legislation to provide secular textbooks and bus transportation 
to students at parochial schools.
  Mr. Speaker, I invite our colleagues to join with me in extending our 
condolences to his daughters, Katharine and Anne, and to his six 
grandsons.
  Gov. Malcolm Wilson was a giant of New York State history who will 
long be missed.

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