Remembrance of Walt Raymond by Ambassador Mark Palmer

My wife Sushma very much regrets not being here today, but only in the absence of her nutritionist’s strictures do I dare to mention that I love multi-layered Big Macs. And Walt is one of the great Big Macs of my life.

At one layer he was a dreamer of dreams – that rare animal in the Washington’s various bureaucratic jungles unafraid of big visions. Most strikingly he had his own big idea, to bring freedom to those still oppressed by bringing the world’s democracies together.

At another layer he was the ultimate inside actor and doer. It was this combination that for me epitomized Walt over the two decades we worked together inside and outside government. Those before me have singled out his specific accomplishments.

We know Vi that you shared Walt’s vision and worked with him to accomplish it. I want to particularly thank you for continuing to share Walt with us over the past three years. In almost every conversation I had with him during this period, Walt said that he wanted to spend more time with you and your family. Today I feel we were selfish in keeping him, but the world has benefited.

Walt seemed the same in 2003 as he had two decades earlier -- the same energy, optimism and perseverance. I was startled to read in the obituary that he was 73. He was really ageless, and therefore will never fade in our lives.

In some ways my last meeting with Walt will always be the most memorable. It was there that his incredible character was on full display. How many of us would have had the courage and commitment and calm to sit there in a CCD board meeting transferring knowledge in the face of near certain death. I do not think I have ever witnessed a more remarkable proof of integrity.

We will never forget you Walt.