Remembering Bill Hyland: A True Public Servant

Yesterday, Governor Chris Christie signed Executive Order 127, ordering all State buildings to fly flags at half-staff on Monday, March 11, 2013 to recognize the achievements and honor the memory of the former Attorney General of New Jersey and former Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly William F. Hyland following his passing on Saturday, March 2.

Born in Burlington, William Hyland served in the United States Navy during World War II and began his career of service to the people of New Jersey upon being elected as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly. His career of public service spanned several decades and included serving as New Jersey General Assembly Speaker; President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities; first Chairman of the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation; Attorney General of New Jersey; and Chairman of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority.

On a personal note, we are so sorry to hear of Bill Hyland's passing which we learned about earlier today. We had  the pleasure of knowing Bill Hyland and working with him on several political campaigns when Hyland was active in the Democratic Party in Camden County and New Jersey. When we attended the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago as part of the Gene McCarthy campaign, Bill Hyland was one of the few representatives of the traditional Democratic organization who kept the lines of communication open to us and to others who challenged the status quo.

Bill Hyland grew up in Camden's Parkside section and later lived in Cherry Hill where he raised his family. Bill was a dedicated public servant and a class act all the way -- a modest man who eschewed boastfulness or showiness of any kind. He believed in the principles of the Democratic Party when it was the party of Truman and Kennedy and Johnson. He lived by those principles as well. He came from a noted Democratic family and his mother, who was New Jersey's Democratic state committeewoman was a genuine trailblazer long before the modern women's movement.

Bill Hyland was a man who was respected throughout the state by leaders and Governors of both political parties. A World War II vet, he loved his nation, his state and his community and he served them well throughout his life. He was a soft-spoken man -- judicious, considerate, thoughtful and wise. He could teach a few politicians today about how to work together and make things happen for the greater good. He will be missed.

We extend our condolences to Bill's brother Dick and to his entire family.

Click here to read more about Bill Hyland.