Fellow politicians offered condolences on the death of Beau Biden who lost his battle with brain cancer Saturday night.
U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.):
“Martha and I just heard the news that Beau had passed away after a valiant struggle. Our hearts are breaking for Joe and Jill, for Hallie and their children, Natalie and Hunter, and for the entire Biden family. Beau represented all that is good about Delaware and our country. He was the complete package – bright; hardworking; incredibly loyal to his family; a loving son, brother, husband and father, principled; handsome; well-spoken; unassuming. He had the heart of a servant, too. His future seemed to know no bounds.
“I first met Beau when he was six years old. He was the son that any of us would be proud to call our own. It’s been a privilege to watch him grow up and become a leader in our state and in the Delaware National Guard. My last memory of Beau was during the Return Day Parade in Georgetown, Delaware two days after last November’s election. I was walking along the parade route shaking hands with people just as Beau passed by, standing in a National Guard vehicle, waiving at the crowd. For a moment, our eyes met, he waived to me and I to him. Then, he mouthed these words to me, ‘I love you.’ I smiled and returned them to him. And, he was gone.”
U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.):
“Beau Biden was an extraordinary father, husband, son, and public servant, but above all, he was a good and decent man. His passing is a great loss for his family and friends and for Delaware.
“Throughout his life, Beau never shied away from doing the right thing, even when it meant doing the hard thing. Beau served his country and community with honor, and that’s how he will be remembered.
"My family knew Beau as a family man devoted to his wife, Hallie, and their children, Natalie and Hunter, and as a hardworking, kind-hearted person.
"Annie and I are praying tonight for the entire Biden family – for Joe and Jill, for Hunter and Ashley, and for Hallie, Natalie, and Hunter – and we know they have the support and love of their neighbors all throughout our state.”
Statement from Congressman John Carney:
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"Tracey and I are heartbroken. It's one of those times when you imagine if you try hard enough, the news somehow won't be true. There are no words deep enough to express our sense of loss, and there are certainly no words meaningful enough to express our sympathy to Hallie and the children, to Joe, Jill, Hunter, Ashley, Valerie, and all the family. Beau had a warm and generous spirit. He was a truly giving person, and he appreciated the good in others in the way we all should. He leaves a legacy of service, and also a great personal legacy that calls on each of us to be more gentle in our judgments and more gracious with our thanks. He was one of the best of the good guys."
Statement from Delaware Governor Jack Markell:
Governor Markell extended his deepest sympathies to the family of Joseph Robinette "Beau" Biden III.
"Carla and I are heartbroken for Hallie, his children, his parents, his siblings, and the entire Biden family. Beau spent his entire career in the service of his country and his state. He was an outstanding Attorney General, lawyer, soldier, and father. I feel privileged to have served with him and Delaware is a better place thanks to him.
Beau was also a friend. He was unfailingly interested in the well being of Carla, my kids and my extended family. My entire family is shattered by his death."
In honor and remembrance of Beau's life, the Governor has directed that the U.S. and Delaware flags be flown at half-staff.
Statement by Wilmington, DE, City Council President Theo Gregory:
“I join with my Council colleagues and with citizens in Wilmington and throughout our State in expressing great sadness concerning the passing of Beau Biden. On behalf of our City Council Members and Council staff, I express condolences to Hallie and the children, to Vice-President Biden and Dr. Biden, the entire Biden family and Beau’s many friends. He served his state and country with distinction. Beau cared deeply about his fellow Delawareans and we are grateful for his record of public service. Above all, we will remember him for being a good person who was devoted to his family.”
