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Pelosi Statement on the Passing of Bill Newsom

December 12, 2018

Contact: Taylor Griffin, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi issued this statement on the passing of Bill Newsom:

"Paul and I were heartbroken to learn of the passing of our dear friend, Bill Newsom. All who were privileged to know Bill knew him as a gentleman of deep principles, great modesty and exceptional generosity. His cherished friendship, long public service and dedication to the arts leave a beautiful and lasting legacy for America.

"Bill was a proud third-generation San Franciscan, who devoted his full public and private life to our State. As a state court judge and then an appellate judge, Bill worked relentlessly to uphold liberty and justice for all Californians. He took great pride in being raised Irish-American, Catholic and Democratic, and commitment to public service ran through his entire life.

"Bill deeply understood the power of the arts to bring us together and dedicated decades to fostering beauty, culture and the arts in the Bay Area and around the world. His leadership of the Getty Trust was essential in preserving our nation's artistic heritage, while encouraging the next generation of cultural leaders.

"The passing of Bill Newsom is a great personal and official loss for all who were fortunate enough to call him friend. May it be a comfort to Bill's children, Hilary and Governor-Elect Gavin Newsom, and his loved ones that so many grieve with and pray for them at this sad time."

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