    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 36 (Monday, September 12, 2005)]
    [Pages 1351-1352]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks on the Death of Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist

    September 4, 2005

        Our Nation is saddened today by the news that Chief Justice William
    Rehnquist passed

    [[Page 1352]]

    away last night. Laura and I send our respect and deepest sympathy to
    this good man's children, Jim, Janet, and Nancy. We send our respect to
    all the members of the Rehnquist family.
        William H. Rehnquist was born and raised in Wisconsin. He was the
    grandson of Swedish immigrants. Like so many of his generation, he
    served in the Army during World War II. He went on to college with the
    help of the GI bill. He studied law at Stanford University. He graduated
    first in his class, that included his future colleague, Sandra Day
    O'Connor. Judge Rehnquist and his late wife, Nan, raised their family in
    Phoenix, where he built a career as one of Arizona's leading attorneys.
    He went on to even greater distinction in pubic service as an Assistant
    U.S. Attorney General, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, and for
    the past 19 years, Chief Justice of the United States.
        He was extremely well respected for his powerful intellect. He was
    respected for his deep commitment to the rule of law and his profound
    devotion to duty. He provided superb leadership for the Federal court
    system, improving the delivery of justice for the American people and
    earning the admiration of his colleagues throughout the judiciary.
        Even during a period of illness, Chief Justice Rehnquist stayed on
    the job to complete the work of his final Supreme Court term. I was
    honored, and I was deeply touched when he came to the Capitol for the
    swearing-in last January. He was a man of character and dedication. His
    departure represents a great loss for the Court and for our country.
        There are now two vacancies on the Supreme Court, and it will serve
    the best interests of the Nation to fill those vacancies promptly. I
    will choose in a timely manner a highly qualified nominee to succeed
    Chief Justice Rehnquist. As we look to the future of the Supreme Court,
    citizens of this Nation can also look with pride and appreciation on the
    career of our late Chief Justice.
        More than half a century has passed since William H. Rehnquist first
    came to the Supreme Court as a young law clerk. All of his years,
    William Rehnquist revered the Constitution and laws of the United
    States. He led the judicial branch of Government with tremendous wisdom
    and skill. He honored America with a lifetime of service, and America
    will honor his memory.
        May God bless the Rehnquist family. Thank you all very much.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:01 a.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the
    White House.