Friday, October 30, 2009

IN REMEMBERANCE



Louisiana's former governor DaveTreen died yesterday at the age of 81.  He was the first Republican governor since Reconstruction and a very nice man.

For many years I was active in Republican politics in East Baton Rouge Parish-even an elected official for 8 years. It was my privilege to meet many state and national leaders. Those included Ronald Reagan, George Bush (the older one) and his wife Barbara. Didn't care much for Junior!

But one man stands out in my mind and it's David Treen. I attended many State Central Committee meetings where I was able to chat with him. He was always outgoing, intelligent and a VERY Southern gentleman. He loved his wife Dodie, who died several years ago, and she was always by his side.

The last time I saw him was at a fundraiser at the Governor's Mansion. Mike Foster was the governor then (I didn't care much for him, either. Very rude.). Near the end of the evening someone sat down at the piano and began to play. A crowd gathered round to have a song fest and about the first one there was Dave Treen. He wanted to sing his favorite song: "Danny Boy". We all joined in and had a jolly good time. And his voice wasn't that bad!

I will always associate that song with him now. I hope he's with Dodie today, home where he would want to be. He will lie in state here in Baton Rouge at the state capitol. Maybe I'll go see this gentleman once more and whisper the words of the song he loved.

It was a privilege, Dave.

4 comments:

Siobhán said...

Awww, what a lovely tribute. Gotta love a man that loves "Danny Boy"! ;) What struck me is the love for his wife--that always tells me what a man is like. May he rest in peace.

Carolyn NC said...

Very sweet tribute. Nice to be said about a politician, too! I'll always associate any song of Al Jolsen's (am I showing my age or at least my Dad's) with my Dad. Danny Boy was one of them.

Donna said...

Very nice tribute. Sorry for the loss.

Julie said...

He sounds like a true gentleman Marian and someone that will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
xx