The publication is reproduced in full below:
EULOGY FOR WALLACE ``WALLY'' BARNES
______
HON. JOHN B. LARSON
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Monday, July 26, 2021
Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, on Monday June 21, 2021, I attended the funeral service for Wallace ``Wally'' Barnes. I wish to include in the Record my eulogy for Wally's wife, former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Barbara Franklin, who served our Nation with distinction. I will always treasure Wally's friendship and am grateful for his leadership in Connecticut and across the Nation.
Barbara, Tom and Melanie, Jarre and Whit, the entire Barnes family--what an honor to be part of this tribute to Wally.
COVID has certainly turned our lives upside down, and while time doesn't ease his passing, it has provided us time to reflect on the man. Even at 94, he was still an immense resource, whose advice was widely sought by business and civic leaders.
In this state--the land of steady habits; a state of sturdy Oaks--he was a Giant Sequoia. I guess when you 're a direct descendent of Ebenezer Barnes, the first settler of Bristol, one could argue that Wally was the embodiment of the concept of ``Noblesse Oblige.''
And that obligation started with love of family and carried over to his beloved community of Bristol, the State of Connecticut, and our great Nation. Any examination of his life in general--both in and out of public office--quickly demonstrates that public service was not some avocation, or hobby for Wally, it was a way of life.
A value he cherished, practiced, and nurtured in his family, his community, his state, and nation. And was reflected in his business, civic, and charitable endeavors. I was fortunate to first meet Wally when I was in the Connecticut Senate. We shared that common experience of being a part of ``The Circle.''
As many know, the State Senate is called the Circle because of its geometric shape, but also because unlike the House of Representatives, we sit in a circle of peers, neither distinguished by rank or political affiliation . . . as equals.
We chuckled over his famous ``Nikita Khrushchev moment.'' This Republican scion of the Prescott Bush era was hardly a Nikita--but his actions worked. He got the public's and press' attention and made us all remember that it's important not to abuse the rights of the minority.
He first ran for Congress in 1954 against Thomas J. Dodd, and I would like to read a letter to you Barbara from someone familiar with that race:
Letter from Senator Chris Dodd
Dear Barbara, I sincerely regret that I cannot be with you in person today to celebrate Wally's life. He was a good friend.
Wally and I enjoyed a warm relationship spanning many decades. Like so many others, I admired Wally, I appreciated his counsel, advice, and support. I was also thankful for his willingness to clearly share his views--when we agreed and when we disagreed.
Barbara, as you and your family know, our families go back many years. It was 67 years ago in 1954 when Wally and my father competed for the same congressional seat, the very seat that John Larson now holds.
Wally, of course, went on to have a very successful and productive life. The Barnes Group, as all of us in Connecticut are aware, was extremely successful under Wally's leadership. Further, Wally loved his hometown of Bristol and was a treasured, contributing member of the community and our state for many, many years.
Let me add that Wally Barnes was a great example of what might be called an American original. If I were asked to describe my image of a great American, I could not give a better description than Wally Barnes--patriotic, creative, imaginative, thoughtful, a person who was always willing to help others, with healthy doses of confidence and humility.
And so, Barbara, we were fortunate that Wally was a part of our lives and we thank you for sharing him with us.
Christopher J. Dodd.
Wally and I both served in the Senate for 12 years. He was the Republican Leader and I, as a Democrat- in different times but with a similar result. We were both candidates for Governor for our respective parties--he in 1970, and I in 1994.
In what was a to be a heartbreaking loss for the citizens of the State-he lost to Tom Meskill, and I to Bill Curry. We had both served on various commissions and I can remember a call I received from him after my defeat. But mostly I remember that laugh, when he asked how I felt and I said,
``Hey, Peacock one day, feather duster the next.'' And he laughed that hearty Barnes laugh of disarming approval. Here this giant of industry, presiding over chambers of commerce, the Connecticut Business and Industry Association, this highly respected Republican, was calling to soften the blow that only people who have been through it can grasp. I can't tell you how important that was and what it meant to me personally.
Wally's sense of humor, his ability to relate to the everyday concerns of ordinary people, was remarkable and endeared him to me and those around him. He was genuine and sincere, believable and had our trust. And his focus was always on getting things done. Quite a contrast to politics today. Barbara I would like to read a letter to you:
Letter from President Joe Biden
Dear Madam Secretary, Jill and I send our deepest sympathies on the passing of your beloved husband, Wally. We are thinking of you and praying for your peace.
There are few words that I can share to ease the pain of losing a partner--it leaves a hole in our hearts. Wally dedicated himself to the people of Connecticut and the state he loved. He was a leader, a good man, and a great husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. As you reflect on your time together, may the love that you shared be a shining light in the years to come.
There is an Irish headstone I often quote. It reads,
``Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.'' Though the grieving process never quite ends, I promise you that the day will come when Wally's memory will bring a smile to your lips before it brings a tear to your eye. My prayer for you is that this day comes sooner rather than later.
Sincerely, Joe Biden.
Time does heal as the President has indicated and has brought a few tears but an equal number of smiles for a man who put service above self.
A master pilot, he applied to politics what he applied to aviation. And just like George H.W. Bush, he believed in the pilot's team C.A.V.U., which stands for Ceiling And Visibility Unlimited. He inspired others to believe that you could go as far and as high as their vision, imagination, and courage will take you.
Thank you, Wally Barnes. God bless you, God bless America.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 130
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
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