Posted on 06/24/2002 4:02:40 AM PDT by GailA
http://www.timesnews.net/zine_pics/4988.jpg
Former Congressman Jimmy Quillen and Gov. Don Sundquist leave Sunday's service. David Grace photo.
Friends, colleagues mourn Westmoreland's death By CHELSEA SHOUN
KINGSPORT - State Rep. Keith Westmoreland was remembered Sunday as a man who stood up for his beliefs and worked for the common good of all Tennesseans.
"He was a man who stood up for his friends, a man who stood up for his colleagues, a man who stood up for the community and a man who stood up for his family," said Jimmy Naifeh, D-Covington, and speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives.
Naifeh eulogized Westmoreland at a memorial service held Sunday at First Broad Street United Methodist Church.
"Most importantly, he stood up for those who could not stand up for themselves," Naifeh said, adding that Westmoreland wasn't afraid to make decisions that weren't always popular.
Westmoreland, 55, who represented the 2nd House District in the Tennessee General Assembly for 10 years, took his own life Wednesday night at his Kingsport residence.
The service was attended by more than 50 state legislators who made the trip from Nashville on a military C-130 aircraft.
Five vans transported the group from Tri-Cities Regional Airport to the downtown church. All members of the Legislature were honorary pallbearers.
Gov. Don Sundquist also attended the service and escorted former U.S. Rep. Jimmy Quillen.
Most lawmakers in attendance, including Naifeh and Sundquist, declined comment to the media out of respect for the Westmoreland family.
At least 500 people filled the church sanctuary and spilled over into the fellowship hall where the service was broadcast on a big-screen television.
A variety of songs including the state song, "The Tennessee Waltz," and "America the Beautiful" were played during the service. American and Tennessee flags stood in the sanctuary.
Though General Assembly members differ widely in political beliefs and backgrounds, many in the "family" looked to Republican Westmoreland for advice, Naifeh said during the service.
"He was a wise and compassionate person with a head full of common sense and the strength of character to speak his mind," Naifeh said. "He disliked labels and preferred to be known as an individual who acted from the heart."
Westmoreland's sons, Stoney and Joel, thanked those in attendance for their support. The crowd stood and applauded as the two brothers embraced.
"I hold my head high," Stoney said. "Everything I am today I learned from my dad."
The Rev. Mark Knisley said many people were touched by the life and love of Westmoreland and cited his "sudden smile, genuine work ethic and desire to make the world a better place."
"Keith was a man who dared enough to lead. He was a man who cared enough to lead," Knisley said.
Knisley questioned why those who hold public office are held to a "higher standard."
"It makes no sense. Please don't waste precious spiritual energy on fallible human speculation now or even in the future," he said.
"The impact of our lives is not determined by its quantity but by its quality. Thanks go to God for the good and positive things that came from the life of Keith Westmoreland," Knisley said.
Westmoreland's death came about a week after three girls alleged he exposed himself to them in a Florida hotel hot tub. Nashville police said Westmoreland had been accused of two similar incidents in March.
Sullivan County Sheriff Wayne Anderson said Sunday too many stones were thrown too quickly at Westmoreland.
"I still don't believe any of the charges brought against him," Anderson said. He had known Westmoreland for more than 30 years, both when the late legislator served with the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office and as Sullivan County Executive.
"He was condemned too quick," Anderson said.
Regardless, Anderson and Naifeh said Westmoreland's were "big shoes to fill."
Naifeh said everyone owed Westmoreland a debt of gratitude for his contributions to the state. He thanked Westmoreland's family for sharing him with the General Assembly and the state of Tennessee.
"That seat back there in the ‘Amen Corner' of the House will never be the same," Naifeh quoted another legislator as saying.
Among legislation Westmoreland sponsored included measures that established a state database of gang activity, required felons to provide biological specimens for DNA analysis, classified multiple drug offenders as "habitual offenders" which brought much stiffer penalties and put penalties on the books against those who facilitate or aid in the escape of a felony offender from a Tennessee prison.
"What Keith Westmoreland did for law enforcement, for economic development, for communities, for education, for families, not only in Sullivan County but across this state, may never be fully comprehended by his constituents and other Tennesseans. But they are real," Naifeh said.
Westmoreland was set to run unopposed in the August election. The Sullivan County Commission will appoint someone to complete Westmoreland's term. The filing deadline for a permanent successor has been extended to June 29.
YOU LOW LIFE TALK RADIO JOCKS AND THEIR LISTENERS DROVE HIM TO COMMIT SUICIDE is what they are thinking.
Flyweight journalist who lacks the courage to take on the Johnson City Tennessee Queer establishment.
Rip Kieth....disregard GailA.
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