[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.