[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 60 (Tuesday, May 4, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4829-S4830]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF WILLIAM R. STEWART

 Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to the life of a 
distinguished civil servant, Bill Stewart, who passed away on Monday, 
February 16, 2004. His long life was filled with acts of conscientious 
service on behalf of his friends, his family members and the American 
work force. The contributions he made through his work for the National 
Labor Relations Board, combined with the many lives he touched along 
the way, leave behind a positive legacy that will not soon be 
forgotten.
  Bill was born in Terre Haute, IN, and earned his undergraduate degree 
in government from Indiana University. As an ROTC student during his 
time at Indiana University, Bill was commissioned as a second 
lieutenant in the Army shortly after his graduation. Proving at a young 
age that service and leadership were an inherent part of his life and 
personality, Bill deferred his full scholarship to the Indiana 
University School of Law to serve in Germany in an armored division 
where he was later selected to be the courts and boards officer and 
assistant adjutant of a combat command of more than 5,000 men. Bill 
excelled in everything he set his mind to, including his work as an 
attorney for the Atomic Energy Commission and his efforts climbing up 
the

[[Page S4830]]

ladder from legislative assistant to president of the Professional 
Association for the National Labor Relations Board in only 4 years.
  His talent and intellect earned him the respect and attention of 
many. Bill was the first and only National Relations Board employee to 
receive the President's Award for Distinguished Federal Civilian 
Service, which is the highest honor attainable through civil service. 
President Clinton recognized Bill's ``unparalleled'' professional 
contributions, emphasizing that Bill was ``instrumental in winning 
national labor law cases that have had a major impact on American 
workers.''
  In addition to his professional accomplishments, I am told that Bill 
was also a family man at heart. According to his friends and 
colleagues, Bill cherished the company of his loved ones and always 
made his parents and siblings a top priority. Undoubtedly, Bill will be 
remembered by all who knew him for his love of life and laughter.
  Bill is survived by his two brothers, Stanley Stewart and Richard 
Stewart.
  Bill was a man who walked with kings but never lost the common touch. 
The citizens of the State of Indiana and the United States of America 
were well served by the life led by Bill Stewart. He touched many lives 
over the course of his career and will be remembered as a loving friend 
and an incredible leader and colleague.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of William R. Stewart in the 
official Record of the United States Senate. May God be with all who 
mourn his passing, as I know He is with Bill.

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