The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“THE PASSING OF GOVERNOR MALCOLM WILSON” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E294-E295 on March 14, 2000.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
THE PASSING OF GOVERNOR MALCOLM WILSON
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HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN
of new york
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, March 14, 2000
Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep regret that I inform our colleagues of the passing of one of the outstanding political leaders of New York State over the past century.
Malcolm Wilson was first elected to our New York State Assembly in 1938, at the young age of 24, representing a portion of Westchester County. Throughout his 20 years as a member of that chamber, he earned a statewide reputation for his honesty, integrity, and for his thorough understanding of our legislative process.
Malcolm Wilson was known as a superb debater, a skill he honed during his years as a star member of the debate team at Fordham University in the Bronx.
In the years following World War II, I came to know Malcolm Wilson quite well, as he was the coordinator of our Young Republican organization for the 9th Judicial District of New York. In that position, he impressed us all with his leadership and organizational skills.
In 1958, many leaders throughout New York State considered Malcolm Wilson their logical choice for Governor. But the nomination that year was won instead by Nelson Rockefeller, who brought to his candidacy extensive experience in the business world and in the State Department, but none in the legislative process. Accordingly, Rockefeller recognized that Malcolm Wilson would be a superb Lieutenant Governor, due to the universal respect held for him in the legislature and his skill at maneuvering bills into law.
For 15 years, Malcolm Wilson served faithfully as our State's Lieutenant Governor. Often, during the end of that tenure, Malcolm cracked that he was number two ``longer than Avis.'' But no one disputed his dedication to the cause of good government.
Late in 1973, when Governor Rockefeller resigned from office, Malcolm Wilson became the 50th Governor of New York State. While he brought his common sense principles to the Governor's mansion, he was denied election to a full term as Governor the following fall. It was the only time in his career that Malcolm Wilson lost an election.
Upon his passing yesterday, William Harrington, who served a decade as his legal counsel during the Lieutenant Governor years, stated:
``When Malcolm spoke, people listened. I don't think there was anyone more learned about state government than Malcolm Wilson.''
Mr. Speaker, during my own years as a New York State Assemblyman, Malcolm Wilson served as a great inspiration and was of immense assistance to our efforts. I can well remember that his door was always open to me or to any other legislator who sought his assistance.
In addition to being an outstanding public servant, Malcolm Wilson was a courageous veteran, having served in our Navy during World War II. He served on an ammunition ship and participated in the invasion of Normandy.
Malcolm was also a devoted husband to his wife, Katherine, who he married in 1941 and who died in 1980.
Gov. Malcolm Wilson was also known for his dedication to his faith. He was a trustee at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City and was an active member of St. Denis Church in Yonkers. He was a major sponsor of State legislation to provide secular textbooks and bus transportation to students at parochial schools.
Mr. Speaker, I invite our colleagues to join with me in extending our condolences to his daughters, Katharine and Anne, and to his six grandsons.
Gov. Malcolm Wilson was a giant of New York State history who will long be missed.
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