Daily Egyptian
Fall '03 Edition
Quotes from those who knew and respected Simon
Elbert Simon:
He is the former president of the Carbondale chapter of the NAACP, but most wishes to be identified as a friend of Paul Simon.
"He was a member and a very proud supporter of the NAACP. He's made contributions to that directly and also in terms of sponsoring legislation. He's always been a voice for civil rights and human rights. I just think that he probably is the most honest politician that I've known. Never a hint of scandal the whole time he served in Congress and in the Senate."
"It's certainly a devastating blow. It's going to leave a big void in a number of areas. Not only in Southern Illinois and in the United States, but I think in the world. Paul, even though he had retired, was still very active in many aspects."
"I respect him as a politician, as a spokesperson for human rights and most of all as a friend. We affectionately called each other 'cousin.' That had a lot of meaning for the two of us. Since we shared that name, we felt kind of a closeness. He'll be missed tremendously by me."
Dave Kenney:
"He was a very, very honest man with great integrity. In making public policy and legislation, he was always looking for what was good for the state or good for the nation. He had great concern and sympathy for the less fortunate."
"This is a great loss. He was the heart and soul of the Public Policy Institute, and it seemed like they were doing a great deal, with speakers and seminars that were worthwhile. I don't see anyone that can replace what he was in the Public Policy Institute. He was very unique, and he did a very good job."
Cole:
"To me, and to a lot of people, he was considered a friend. I've known his second wife Patti for a dozen years and I know, of course, Sheila from the Council. Paul was a good ambassador for Southern Illinois and particularly the University. His efforts certainly transcended partisanship, which we don't always see these days."
"He was a good man. I doubt you'll find anyone that says otherwise."
"It does indicate the frailty of life. Anything can happen. I think it's a reminder to all of us that we have to take every day seriously and treat it like it's the gift that it is."
Jim Alberts, former student worker for Simon at the Public Policy Institute from February 2000 to May 2002:
"He was one of the finest men that I knew," Alberts said. "He took a genuine interest in everyone he came in contact with. He really wanted to get to know the person and he was a very kind and considerate man."
"He always took time to make sure he greeted everyone he knew. When he was in Springfield recently, he came into my office at work just to wish me a happy birthday. With his busy schedule, how many people would do that? But that was the kind of person Paul was. He took a real interest in everyone and was always looking to improve things."
"It's definitely a loss for the University and for everyone really. I know he did a lot for SIU with the Public Policy Institute."
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