U.S. House pays tribute to Orton's public service

A nearly full U.S. House chamber halted a noisy string of votes and hushed its scattered conversations at 6:23 p.m. Tuesday in Washington, D.C. Then members stood in a moment of silence to honor former Rep. Bill Orton, D-Utah, who died Saturday in an all-terrain vehicle accident.

"Bill was a congressman who spoke his mind," Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, told the House afterward. "Bill was all about trying to find solutions, trying to make progress. We can honor his legacy by trying to act more like Bill."

"Mr. Orton was indeed committed to public service," added Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah. "We offer our deep condolences to him and his very young family at this tragic occurrence and remember him with fondness for his commitment to his country and his state."

Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, joined the tribute to the man who once held his 3rd District seat.

"He was described as something of a political maverick and an independent voice for Utah, bucking both parties at times," Chaffetz said. "Rep. Orton cast a long shadow over the state of Utah."

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., shared some of his favorite memories of Orton.

"Bill became a father late in life. But his boys, Will and Wes, filled what turned out to be the last years of his life with so much joy," Hoyer said. "Those who know Bill remember, I'm sure, how he turned half of his congressional office into a nursery, and how he brought baby Will with him to hearings.

"Bill always was an independent thinker and serious-minded public servant," he said. "He was elected three times as a Democrat in one of America's most conservative districts ... a fact that testifies to his persuasive skills and the deep respect he earned even from those he didn't persuade."

Through Orton's work in helping to create the Blue Dog coalition of moderate Democrats, Hoyer said, "Bill was instrumental in creating the Democratic ideal of fiscal responsibility. ... Now every time we speak out for a government that pays for what it buys, we have an opportunity to carry on Bill's work.

"He gave much more than most ever do," he said. "To Bill Orton, we say thank you — thank you for serving so well."

Orton's funeral is Friday at the Federal Heights LDS chapel in Salt Lake City.

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