Eulogy for Governor George Romney offered by Governor John Engler
Bloomfield Hills, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Monday, July 31, 1995
"No man stands alone on a day such as this." Those were the first words George Wilcken Romney spoke as Governor of Michigan, and they expressed the deep appreciation he felt for all the people in his life. That was at his First Inaugural in 1963.
Today, we gather with Lenore, his lovely wife of 64 years, and with all the family to express our deep appreciation for George Romney. We are here because he touched every one of us in some significant way, and inspired us to be of unceasing service to our neighbors.
George Romney's entire life was devoted to living by our Lord's command, "Love one another, as I have loved you." That is why we are proud to pay tribute to this most remarkable man, this "last lion," who unceasingly served his family and friends, his fellow citizens and God.
Everyone who was acquainted with George Romney knew how important his faith was to him. He frequently and fervently sought the will of God through prayer and thanksgiving. But, today, it is we who are thankful for George Romney's presence in our lives. I will never forget one of the most special moments I had with him -- it was at my First Inaugural in 1991. Just before I went up to take the oath of office he pulled me aside. He said, "Remember, whatever else you do, you should always be bold!" That was Governor Romney's own motto, and it served him well in so many capacities.
I look back in awe at his bold efforts to make state government serve our citizens better. His contributions to Michigan's current constitution were unparalleled; his commitment to civil rights, ahead of its time; his determination to making government more accessible to the people, a model for every chief executive in the nation.
It was George Romney who opened up his office doors to the people. He'd set aside Thursday mornings to talk with any citizen for up to five minutes. Then that infamous egg-timer would go off, and he would conclude the meeting by making sure the problem would be resolved. Once an Amish gentleman from Indiana heard about the Governor's open door policy and walked all the way to Lansing to speak to him -- only to realize he was in the wrong jurisdiction! But that's how famous his open-door meetings were, and how hungry the people were for the opportunity to meet face-to-face with their leaders.
There is no doubt that George Romney's great legacy of leadership will endure. Just look back over his speeches, and you'll be struck by how timeless they are. Words he uttered over three decades ago could have been spoken yesterday. Consider this, from an address in 1963:
I emphasize personal responsibility. [There has been] an unparalleled expansion in government and enlarged programs at all levels, particularly at the national level. Individual, family, voluntary association, community, and state responsibility have shrunk. This trend cannot continue without destroying the root sources of our nation's strength. Our state motto tells us: "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you." Our personal motto should be: "If you seek to help your nation, state, or community, look about you." We need not ask where or how to begin. Begin in our own lives, in our families, jobs, neighborhoods, communities, voluntary associations, and churches.
There is no more fitting tribute to the man who was among America's foremost volunteers than these words. But more than by his words, Michelle and I both have been inspired by his example. He helped organize the nation's first United Way and made the Points of Light Foundation a tremendous force for good in our nation. He worked every day to inspire citizens to become volunteers and help their neighbors. It was fitting that his last appearance the night before he died was on behalf of volunteerism.
Despite a demanding schedule, and despite prodigious accomplishments in business, government, religion, and community service, George Romney ever remained the family man. His faith taught him not to work on Sundays, and George would take the day off to spend with Lenore and the children. Every Sunday without fail he would prepare a meal for them -- never mind that it was the same dish every week! They didn't mind, because he even did the dishes! Again -- always serving others and putting them first.
I began these remarks with a passage from George Romney's first address as Governor. Permit me to conclude with a passage from his last address as the Chief Executive of our state:
My parting prayer for Michigan and for America is that we may each join in a rededication to the common good, through a deeper sense of our personal responsibility to obey our Creator, respect the law, and serve our fellow man.
Those were George Romney's farewell words to us. And now, my friend, we bid farewell to you.