[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 735]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO ROBERT O. ANDERSON

 Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, Robert O. Anderson was not a 
citizen just of New Mexico, but I think it can be fairly said that he 
was one of those people for whom the term ``citizen of the world'' was 
intended.
  He died in December at age 90, and his memory was honored at this 
past weekend services in Roswell, NM. Our State has been his home for 
decades. Those of us who knew him were reminded each time we talked 
with him how wide-ranging his interests were, and how progressive and 
determined a man he was. It was his leadership and willingness to take 
a risk that led to the discovery of oil on the North Slope of Alaska, 
and the pipeline that followed 7 years later.
  He was a giant in the oil industry, in ranching, in business, in 
publishing, in politics and in environmental circles. A thoughtful and 
perceptive man--he warned of global warming years ago--he was a patron 
of the arts and of institutions devoted to study and research, 
including the Aspen Institute, the Worldwatch Institute and the John 
Muir Institute of the Environment.
  As far as I know, he never sought public office, but he certainly 
held positions of public trust. He was quoted as saying of his 
industry:

       Never look back in this business. If you do, you'll lose 
     your nerve.''

  He certainly had that in common with many elected officials, 
including Members of this body, and Presidents of the United States, 
all of whom regarded him highly as did countless international leaders. 
He could ``walk with kings, nor lose the common touch.'' It was that 
ability which was a hallmark of his leadership, and was one of his most 
endearing and enduring qualities.
  Married to Barbara Phelps Anderson for 68 years, he is survived by 
her, and by 7 children, 20 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. 
Their loss is a great and one we all share in some measure.

                          ____________________