WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak delivered the following remarks at a memorial service at Grace Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Virginia on Monday, October 19 in remembrance of former Michigan Congressman Bob Davis, who represented the First Congressional District from 1979-1993:

“Last Friday, just like they did 17 years ago with the establishment if the Keweenaw National Historic Park, the people of the Keweenaw Peninsula rang the local church bells in tribute to Congressman Bob Davis.  From around the vast congressional district citizens expressed their deep sadness, paid tribute and silently prayed for Bob and his family.

Bob Davis dedicated his life to public service.  Even before he sought public office, Bob served his community in their time of grief as owner and operator of a funeral home in St. Ignace in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.  Always involved in his community, Bob was elected to the Michigan State House and State Senate where he was the Republican State Senate leader.  In 1978, he was elected to Congress serving 14 years.  Bob was my predecessor.

While we were of different parties, Bob was always willing to answer my questions and discuss the job.

I distinctly remember talking with Bob in 1992 after he announced his retirement when we had a chance to meet at Bay de Noc Community College in Escanaba.  I asked him how he managed the travel and constituent service in this vast congressional district that is approximately half the land mass of Michigan.  Bob explained how; once you are established you then try to work every other weekend.  Then he just smiled.

While the answer sounded reasonable, Bob and I know you never really enjoy a weekend off.  Bob was famous for always serving coffee or flipping pancakes at the senior centers, the Lions Club, or the “harvest dinners’ at the many churches throughout the district.

Bob’s secret to his electoral success was his constituent service.  He maintained nine district offices and a dedicated staff, led by Mark Ruge, that traveled the district to help constituents.  This is a trait I try to equal, knowing of course you never really have a weekend off.

One of his greatest legislative achievements was the lowering of the toll on the Mackinac Bridge from $7.50 down to $1.50 when he was in the state legislature.  Rolling back a bridge toll may not sound like much of a legislative accomplishment, but this feat economically lifted tourism and helped local residents and industries that traversed the bridge daily to work on either side of the Peninsula.

Because Bob Davis was respected and worked in a bi-partisan manner he was able to establish the Keweenaw National Historic Park.  This vibrant national park was his last, and maybe greatest legislative achievement.  There was strong Congressional opposition to creating another national park but Bob prevailed because the story of mining by the people of the Upper Peninsula had to be told and told by their Congressman, Bob Davis.

Serving in any elected office is difficult, but the size and the sparse population make this congressional district almost impossible.  Bob’s legislative and constituent services accomplishments could not have happened without the strong support, love and sacrifices of his family – Brook and Bob’s children Rob, Lisa, George, Alexandra and Hannah.  Thank you for sharing and sacrificing so your father could be the dedicated public servant to his constituents, Michigan and our great nation.

I realize for all who knew and loved Bob Davis the last few weeks have been difficult as Bob was slipping away.  Your love and support sustained him and gave him peace in knowing he was going home with the Lord and we will all be reunited one day.

While Bob is up there serving coffee or flipping pancakes, he will continue to deliver for his constituents through the Bob Davis Post Office Building in St. Ignace.  You just can’t keep a dedicated public servant from serving man in life, or here after.”

# # #