Jul. 15, 2019
HARRISBURG – Speaker of the House Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) issued the following statement on the death of the Hon. Robert “Bob” Bastian, a former member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from Somerset County:
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Bob Bastian, whose strong legacy lives throughout the Pennsylvania Capitol. I was privileged to serve with Bob for more than eight years and appreciated his knowledge, hard work and dedication to his constituents.
“Rep. Bastian was a strong voice for the citizens of the 69th Legislative District during his nine years in the House and a man of common sense and integrity. After his retirement in 2008, Bob remained an active member of the Somerset County community.
“He practiced veterinary medicine for nearly 35 years. His love and passion for the well-being of animals was immeasurable. Bob would quote Paul Oxton, founder/director of the Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation: ‘There may be days when I can’t help an animal in need, but the day will never come that I won’t try.’
“Bob served as chairman of the House Subcommittee on Security and Emergency Response, and as vice chairman of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. He established a record of solid fiscal conservatism, with protection of the hard-working taxpayer being his primary concern.
“Bob also served his country as a captain in the United States Armed Forces. He vividly remembered when the United States was brutally attacked at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., New York City, and Shanksville, Somerset County. I will never forget his words years later when he honored those who lost their lives. I was fortunate to have a copy of Bob’s speech. He said, ‘Let us remember those brave Americans who died in Washington and New York, and incredible heroism of the passengers of United Flight 93. We honor them each and every day. Let us continue to be vigilant, let us continue to be mindful that we live in the best nation on earth, and let us thank God for the blessings of liberty and prosperity, and never take it for granted.’
“On behalf of my family and the residents of our Commonwealth, I extend my condolences to his wife, Susan; sons Tim and Scott; and daughters Beth, Janet and Angie. May the memory of Bob Bastian be a blessing, and may he rest in peace.”
Representative Mike Turzai
Speaker of the House
28th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Christine Goldbeck
717.787.7977 (office) 570.205.0736 (cell)
cgoldbec@pahousegop.com
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