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“Edward M. Kennedy—the husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle we loved so deeply—died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis Port. We’ve lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever. We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice, fairness and opportunity for all. He loved this country and devoted his life to serving it. He always believed that our best days were still ahead, but it’s hard to imagine any of them without him.”
(Family Statement)

Senator Edward (Ted) Moore Kennedy, the youngest of the famous four Kennedy brothers, succumbed to his battle with brain cancer and departed this world on Tuesday, August 26, 2009.

In spite of his significant prominence and wealth, Ted Kennedy was the most tireless lawmaker in the U.S. Senate. He served more than 30 years as a Democratic Senator, worked in excess of 80 hours per week to battle poverty and social injustice and for the welfare of the less fortunate Americans. He was a consummate politician, a skillful negotiator who crafted numerous bi-partisan resolutions and deals between the opposing parties, and a strong proponent of a universal healthcare system for all Americans, an endeavor that has been embattled and opposed for decades in the United States.

His sudden, yet anticipated death leaves a hard-to-fill vacuum in the U.S. Government and society, he will be missed dearly by friends and peers.