Mourning the Passing of Sen. Jon Kyl

Commentary

This past week, we mourned the passing of Arizona’s Sen. Jon Kyl, at age 77.

Prior to my retirement as vice president of communications and public affairs with Honeywell, I had the pleasure of knowing the Senator in my government relations role with Honeywell and earlier with Sperry Flight Systems.

In that role, as a quasi-lobbyist, Jon was an important contact as I sought his support for military contracts we were pursuing.  I kept him informed of the important role Sperry and Honeywell played and their value as employers of thousands of Arizonans.

He was Arizona’s Senator from 1995 to 2013, and again in 2018, with the death of Sen. John McCain.  He served as Minority Whip from 2007 to 2013.  Prior to his senate service, he was a member of the House of Representatives from 1987 to 1995.

Along with my wife, Janet, who was involved in the Phoenix community as chairman of the board of the Arizona Cacus Pine Girl Scout organization, we regularly attended his coffee klatches, casual townhall gatherings. It’s where we got to meet Caryll, Jon’s delightful wife.

While I had the pleasure of working with a number of Arizona’s political figures, including Barry Goldwater, John MCain, John Rhodes and several other House members, Jon stands out, often referred to as a political giant.

I was fortunate to have known Jon.