So long, Bob.

The Honorable Robert T. Matsui
1941-2005

My hometown congressman, Bob Matsui, passed away on New Year's Day. Bob and his wife Doris were long-time friends of my family. While my personal political views differed greatly from Bob's, I greatly respected and admired him. I had the honor of attending his memorial and funeral services, and was deeply moved by the outpouring of love and affection by his colleagues in Congress and friends who knew before his public life.

One great story told by family friend Dave Murphy was when Bob was running for City Council in Sacramento. Bob was in a men's service organization in Sacramento called Active 20-30, along with Dave, my father and many other family friends. They all helped Bob with his City Council race, walking door-to-door to promote Bob's candidacy. Two friends, both Asian-American, when walking door-to-door, did not discourage anyone who thought they were Bob Matsui. When Bob won his race, his opponents recalled that they couldn't believe all the territory "Bob" covered in the campaign.

He was a public servant with the integrity and honor that all should strive to achieve. He will be greatly missed.

Godspeed, Congressman.