‘My time has come’: Read Walter Mondale’s touching final email to his staff
‘Before I go I wanted to let you know how much you mean to me,’ the former vice president writes in an email sent posthumously to his staff
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments