State, federal lawmakers reflect on Rep. Gatto

PALMER — After hearing the news of state Rep. Carl Gatto’s passing Tuesday, Alaska friends and acquaintances from all across the state and nation took a moment to remember him.

Here are excerpts from the ones that made it to the Frontiersman via email or Facebook. Feel free to leave your own note at Facebook.com/Frontiersman or frontiersman.com.

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski: “My thoughts and prayers — and those of many Alaskans — are with Rep. Carl Gatto.”

Congressman Don Young: “Carl was a good man whose hard work and dedication to Alaska will not be forgotten.”

Gov. Sean Parnell: “Alaska has lost a great public servant who will be remembered for his wit and wisdom, his commitment to education and veterans’ issues, and his unwavering support for the people of the Mat-Su.”

Senate President Gary Stevens: “This is a great loss to Alaska. Carl fought relentlessly on behalf of Alaskans until the final days of life. … On a personal note, I enjoyed his sense of humor particularly and I will miss his friendship dearly.”

Sen. Linda Menard: “Carl had an impressive career. He will be missed in these halls for his tenacity, but above all I feel at peace that he is void now of his pain and suffering.”

Sen. Hollis French: “As Representative Gatto’s counterpart in the Senate, I greatly enjoyed working on matters relating to our two Judiciary committees together.”

Sen. Kevin Meyer: “I will miss Carl — but I will never forget how hard he worked for the state of Alaska both in Juneau and at national meetings. Carl may be gone, but his work and positive effect on our young state will be remembered forever.”

Sen. Joe Thomas: “I always enjoyed talking with Carl, even about issues on which we disagreed, because he was a genuine person and that clearly flowed through our conversations.”

Sen. Lesil McGuire: “I have so many fond memories of Carl as a firefighter and as a lawmaker. Some of the best advice I received about the joys of parenthood was right after my son was born from Carl. He was a wonderful father, mentor and friend.”

Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan: “The people of Mat-Su were fortunate to have had a committed public servant for so many years, and their loss is ours, too.”

Mat-Su School Board member Erick Cordero: I had an opportunity to talk to Carl Gatto a few weeks ago when he was in Palmer. Even when sick, he cared about his community and public service. Rest in peace Carl.”

Joint statement from the Valley House delegation: “We’ll miss his buoyant laugh, quick wit and common-sense approach to legislating. Carl worked tirelessly for the Valley and never once let his condition affect his work or efforts on behalf of the state and community he so loved.”

Cancer survivor Care Tuk: “He fought long he fought hard, not just cancer. Not just the cancer, but for faith, family, his friends, his Alaska. Relay For Life won’t be the same in Mat-Su without him this year, but he will more than be remembered.”

Contact reporter Andrew Wellner at andrew.wellner@frontiersman.com or 352-2270.