Dignitaries praise former Congressman John Dingell

Reaction to the death of former Congressman John Dingell, who died Thursday at the age of 92: (File Photo By Wikimedia commons, Public Domain)

DETROIT — Reaction to the death of former Congressman John Dingell, who died Thursday at the age of 92:

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of John David Dingell, Jr., former Michigan Congressman and longest-serving member of the United States Congress. Congressman Dingell died peacefully today at his home in Dearborn, surrounded by his wife Deborah. He was a lion of the United States Congress and a loving son, father, husband, grandfather, and friend. He will be remembered for his decades of public service to the people of Southeast Michigan, his razor sharp wit, and a lifetime of dedication to improving the lives of all who walk this earth.” — Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, wife of John Dingell

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“John Dingell — the Dean of the House and my dear friend — was not merely a witness to history. He was a maker of it. His original family name, translated into Polish, meant ‘blacksmith.’ Nothing could be more fitting for a man who hammered out our nation’s laws, forging a stronger union that could weather the challenges of the future. John Dingell loved Michigan. He understood the connection our people have to manufacturing, to agriculture, and to the land and the Great Lakes that support our Michigan way of life.” — U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Michigan

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“Today the great State of Michigan said farewell to one of our greatest leaders. John Dingell will forever be remembered as ‘The Dean’ of Congress not simply for the length of his service, but for his unparalleled record of legislative accomplishments. The Congressman’s grit, humility and humour taught us all that we can disagree without being disagreeable, while still finding common ground and working together to get things done. The people of Michigan owe John Dingell … We are a stronger, safer, healthier nation because of Congressman Dingell’s 59 years of service, and his work will continue to improve the lives of Michiganders for generations to come.” —— Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan

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“Today, we have lost a beloved pillar of the Congress and one of the greatest legislators in American history. Every chapter of Chairman John Dingell’s life has been lived in service to our country, from his time as a House Page, to his service in the Army during World War II, to his almost six decades serving the people of Michigan in the U.S. Congress. John Dingell leaves a towering legacy of unshakable strength, boundless energy and transformative leadership … His memory will stand as an inspiration to all who worked with him or had the pleasure of knowing him. His leadership will endure in the lives of the millions of American families he touched.” — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif

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“Chairman Dingell was a true statesman: he embodied the values, spirit and dedication that all public servants should aspire to have. He was a mentor to me and countless others who sought to give back to their communities. I will never forget his wise counsel as I learned my way around Congress. — U.S. Senator Gary Peters, D-Michigan

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“For nearly 60 years, John Dingell represented the people of Michigan with honour, integrity & great good humour. There are few major legislative triumphs since 1955 that he didn’t have a key hand in passing. Hillary & I are grateful to have worked with him & called him our friend.” Former President Bill Clinton, via Twitter

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“Our nation mourns the passing of a legend. As the longest-serving congressman in U.S. history, John represented the people of Michigan with high honour, great humour, and a bigger heart … History will always remember John for his commitment and service to Michigan and his love for Debbie.” — Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel

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“… John Dingell was a giant, not only in the length of time he spent representing the best interests of his constituents, but in his advocacy for policies that improved the quality of life for many Americans. From Medicare and social security, advancing the idea of universal healthcare, to environmental protections and standing up for our autoworkers — the Dean stood up for the protection of the well-being of Americans. So many people have John Dingell to thank for providing an excellent example of public service, and we will miss him deeply.” — Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, D-Michigan

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“John Dingell … was and will remain the embodiment of what it means to be a Michigan Democrat: hard-working, selfless, and relentless in his pursuit to improve the lives of the everyday people who built our state and make it great … His charm, wit, and devotion touched everyone who knew him, and his legacy will inspire millions more for generations to come. He will be incredibly missed, but John Dingell will never be forgotten.” — Michigan Democratic Party, on behalf of MDP Chair Lavora Barnes

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“I am deeply saddened at the death of John Dingell. He will be remembered as of the greatest legislators in American history who never forgot about the people he served and the city of Detroit … While it’s hard to imagine a world without John Dingell, his legacy of working to improve people’s lives will last forever.” —Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan

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“For my 20 years as Chairman of Ford Motor Company, I considered John Dingell a friend and advisor. John was a larger-than-life legend whose presence will be deeply missed at Ford. Even on the most divisive issues at the most difficult of times, he was unwavering in his efforts to find common ground. He constantly reminded us as a company and as an industry that we either work together or we fail separately … His passing is a reminder that we need more leaders who are willing to find compromise and bring people together for the greater good.” —Bill Ford, Executive Chairman of Ford Motor Co.

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“I was fortunate to speak to John Dingell this afternoon. I thanked him for his service to our country and for being an example to those who have followed him into the public arena. He was a fine gentleman who showed great respect for our country and her people. He represented his district with decency and honour. And Laura and I join the people of Michigan in sending our sympathies to Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and their family.” — Former President George W. Bush

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“The entire Levin family joins with the fullest sorrow in marking the passing of John Dingell … He was a giant who deeply believed in public service and was rewarded with the public’s immense respect and gratitude. He was tough because he cared so deeply. His contributions to working families’ economic well being, health care and environmental protection over more than half a century were unparalleled.” — Former Congressman Sandy Levin, former U.S. Senator Carl Levin and Congressman Andy Levin

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“John Dingell’s life reminds us that change does not always come with a flash, but instead with steady, determined effort. Over the course of the longest congressional career in history, John led the charge on so much of the progress we take for granted today … Michelle and I send our deepest sympathies to Debbie, the entire Dingell family, and all the Michiganders and Americans whose lives are better because of his lifetime of service.” — Former President Barack Obama

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“John Dingell’s colleagues — and I was proud to be one of them — were always educated, inspired, and in fact awed by him. With John you always knew where you stood … John was enormous in stature, integrity, and accomplishments. When he put his hand on your shoulder and spoke, you listened … There is a reason why a Dingell has represented Southeast Michigan for some 86 years. Their constituents know they always put country over everything else. They have all been chiseled from the same block of gold.” — Congressman Fred Upton, R-Michigan