TRIBUTES

Jack Pacheco

I have had the privilege of working for and with Senator Kennedy for many years, first as a member of the political staff of the Massachusetts Teachers Association and later as political director for the NEA.  But my fondest memories of him were experiencing his wit, his charm and his love of life.  Whenever I had the good fortune to be in his company he always had a smile and demonstrated such warmth that it was hard not to love him.

Many people did not have the good fortune to see him in action behind the scenes as I did.  On one occasion, I was going back to Washington from Logan Airport in Boston and the Senator was on the same flight. We chatted for a while before we boarded the plane about his weekend on Cape Cod.  Once on the plane, Teddy proceeded directly to coach and was surrounded by several staff members.  He worked all the way back to D.C.: asking his staff for one briefing paper after another, requesting more details on this issue or another.  It was amazing to watch him work.  He had an all consuming desire to know everything possible about the issue.  I thought to myself, "if people could just witness this, they would be so proud."

On another occasion, I was standing offstage with him at a Democratic State Convention, waiting for him to be announced.  He was sitting in a chair and grimacing. When I put my arm around him, I felt the back brace that helped him get through the day.  He was very clearly in a lot of pain.  I could just see it on his face.  But, as soon as he hit the stage, he lit up, forgot his pain and demonstrated the youth and spirit of a 20 year-old.  He spoke with such vitality an enthusiasm that he turned the convention hall into another "love in."  I will miss our great Senator.  I will miss him not only because of his compassion and great legislative ability but perhaps more important because of who he was as a man.