After former vice president Walter Mondale died on Monday at age 93, his staff received an email.
“Dear Team,” the email began. “Well my time has come.”
Apparently some time before he died, the liberal icon had penned a final goodbye to the people he worked with. The message, first obtained by Axios, was both courteous and personal.
“I am eager to rejoin Joan and Eleanor,” Mr Mondale wrote, referring to his late wife and daughter. “Before I go I wanted to let you know how much you mean to me. Never has a public servant had a better group of people working at their side!”
Mr Mondale had a long and fruitful career in public service. He was a United States Senator, the vice president under President Jimmy Carter and a Democratic nominee for president in 1984. In the 1990s, he served as ambassador to Japan under President Bill Clinton, and stayed involved in politics throughout the rest of his life.
Upon learning of his death, former president Carter expressed his condolences in a statement.
“Today I mourn the passing of my dear friend Walter Mondale, who I consider the best vice president in our country’s history,” Mr Carter wrote. “He was an invaluable partner and an able servant of the people of Minnesota, the United States, and the world.”
In his final email, Mr Mondale shared credit for those achievements with his staff.
“Together we have accomplished so much and I know you will keep up the good fight,” he told his team, before making a nod to the current president. “Joe in the White House certainly helps.”
Mr Mondale, whose nickname was “Fritz,” died in his sleep of natural causes on Monday at his home in Minneapolis. He was 93.
You can read the full text of his email below:
Dear Team,
Well my time has come. I am eager to rejoin Joan and Eleanor. Before I Go I wanted to let you know how much you mean to me. Never has a public servant had a better group of people working at their side!
Together we have accomplished so much and I know you will keep up the good fight.
Joe in the White House certainly helps.
I always knew it would be okay if I arrived some place and was greeted by one of you!
My best to all of you!
Fritz
