[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 159 (Wednesday, October 1, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10307-S10308]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING NATHAN WEXLER

 Mr. BIDEN. Mr. President, the State of Delaware lost one of 
its most remarkable citizens on September 10, with the passing of 
Nathan Wexler at the age of 97.
  I first met Nate many years ago during one of my early campaigns, 
when he showed up in my campaign headquarters offering to volunteer. 
From that day forward, though he had retired from his dry cleaning 
business and was at an age when most folks are ready to slow down, Nate 
was one of our most active volunteers.
  A talented artist, Nate began a second career as a professional sign 
painter. Indeed, one of the staples of our campaign's offices was a 
large sign that he painted many years ago. I have had several 
campaigns, and several

[[Page S10308]]

campaign headquarters, but Nate's sign remains, a reminder of his 
commitment as well as his friendship.
  But for all of Nate's artistic talent, his most enduring 
characteristic was his love of people, and his ability to inspire 
loyalty and affection from everyone he came in contact with.
  Many of the volunteers on my campaigns have been young people, full 
of idealism and eager to learn. They have often been young enough to be 
Nate's grandchildren or even great-grandchildren. But Nate always 
relished their idealism. He tried to see people and events through 
their eyes and learn from that point of view, and he gently shared his 
experience and wisdom. It was remarkable to see the affection and 
respect he engendered in those idealistic kids.
  My family and I were privileged to spend time with Nate in settings 
away from the political arena, and those occasions were simply a 
delight. They were times rich with humor and wit, as well as wisdom. 
Our conversations were filled with insight, not just into the past and 
present, but looking far into the future at the challenges our Nation 
and world will face. Nate knew that he would never face those 
challenges, but that his great grandchildren and great-great-
grandchildren would.
  Nate Wexler leaves behind a large family and friends of all ages and 
from all walks of life. He will be missed tremendously, but he lives on 
in all of us who were fortunate enough to know and to learn from 
him.

                          ____________________