[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
[February 17, 1996]
[Page 296]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on the Death of Pat Brown
February 17, 1996

    Hillary and I were saddened to learn of Gov. Pat Brown's death.
    I am very grateful for the warm friendship and wise counsel he 
generously extended to me and for what he meant to America.
    More than any other individual, he built modern California, with its 
great universities, highways, and vital water system.
    He loved people, and he loved politics. Always positive and 
optimistic, he believed in the promise of America, and he brought out 
the best in people, because they knew he was committed to their future.
    He was blessed with a wonderful wife and five children, who carried 
on his traditions of public service. Our thoughts and prayers are with 
Bernice, Jerry, Kathleen, Barbara, and Cynthia, and Pat Brown's 
grandchildren and great-grandchildren. May his great heart and good 
spirit be with them always.