[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 177 (Thursday, November 20, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S10731]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         REMEMBERING TONY DEAN

  Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the passing of 
a very close friend of mine, Tony Dean. As one of this Nation's 
foremost conservationists, one would be hard put to find someone who 
cared more about wildlife and the environment. Tony passed away on 
October 19.
  I had known Tony for years with his radio and television 
broadcasting, but I was fortunate enough to get to know him much better 
in my 2002 Senate campaign. He told me that he was willing to do 
whatever I needed him to do, and he was honest to his word. With his 
natural and effective connection to television viewers, Tony starred in 
two commercials that were critical to the success of my 2002 campaign. 
I have no doubt that Tony's support was crucial, though it resulted in 
many tests to his courage. Even amidst the backlash of his supporting 
my campaign, he said, ``Tim, I know I did the right thing, and I'd do 
it again in a second.'' Tony stared down the people who threatened him, 
and he refused to blink.
  During Senator Ted Kennedy's eulogy of his brother Robert, Senator 
Kennedy stated that, ``Few are willing to brave the disapproval of 
their fellows, the censure of their colleagues, the wrath of their 
society. Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or 
great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential, vital quality for 
those who seek to change a world that yields most painfully to 
change.'' Tony had all those qualities, though most importantly, moral 
courage. And Tony Dean had moral courage in spades.
  It was my pleasure to have worked with Tony and I would like to offer 
my condolences to his family, friends, and fellow advocates. They have 
much to be proud of, and it is my hope that their memories will be rich 
with the great many accomplishments he achieved during his career. 
Those of us who loved him pray that what he was to us and what he 
wished for others will someday come to pass for the world. We will miss 
you, Tony. More than any of us can say.

                          ____________________