Arizona’s bright copper star and yellow shafts of light lost some luster this morning with the news of our friend Congressman Ed Pastor’s passing. The flag’s depiction of an Arizona sunrise is an appropriate way to remember our friend – his constant optimistic demeanor and his sunny disposition brightened everyone’s day.
For my part, I did not grow close to him until after his retirement from Congress. In the past few years, he or I would often call the other and schedule a breakfast at his place – the 5th Avenue Cafe on Thomas. I will deeply miss those calls and those breakfasts. We would just talk about the state, the country, his hometown, family, and friends. No agenda – just good conversations. Having breakfast with Ed was always good way to start the day.
I heard the news early this morning when his best friend, Ronnie Lopez, called to let me know. We both cried. By the end of the call, Ronnie said something that summed up Ed for me, “If he thought he could help you he would, no matter what party, where you were from, or what you had done. He just wanted to help people.” That is a fine and fitting tribute to a true public servant.
Ed Pastor will be missed, but we are all better for having known him.
Prayers and blessings to Verma and the Pastor family as they struggle with the loss, let us all remember his example.
God Bless Ed Pastor.
For those not blessed by having to have met Ed, this video was produced by the Salt River Project to commemorate his retirement from Congress. It is a great tribute.