Family friend recalls Kennedy as mentor

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Mark Weiner, a close friend of Senator Ted Kennedy who also battled cancer, says Kennedy was a personal mentor.

Weiner was a senior at La Salle High School in 1972 when he first met Senator Kennedy. He later worked at the Senator's office before beginning a career in local politics.

"I can't help but think of the words he used to eulogize his brother in 1968. 'My brother need not be enlarged in death, beyond what he was in life. May he be remembered simply as a kind and decent man,'" Weiner says.

Weiner tells Eyewitness news it's still hard to believe that Kennedy has lost his 15 month battle with brain cancer. He says Kennedy's death will either derail or reinvigorate the health care debate.

"Hopefully the people of the country and Senate will rally, and in honor of Senator Kennedy, pass a health care measure," he says.

Weiner says Kennedy is the reason he got involved in politics.

His prized possession remains a book written by President John F. Kennedy, which was signed by both Senator Kennedy and Congressman Patrick Kennedy after he beat cancer.