By Assunta Ng
Gary Locke reads a letter from President Obama in honor of Albert Rosellini’s 100th birthday on Jan. 21, 2010. (Photo from the Governor’s Office)
Ambassador Gary Locke returned to Seattle from Beijing to attend former Gov. Albert D. Rosellini’s funeral mass at St. James Cathedral last Monday. Rosellini died at the age of 101.
The two men had a close relationship. They shared birthdays and were both elected governor at the age of 46. Not too long ago, Locke came back from D.C., while serving as U.S. Commerce Secretary, to attend Rosellini’s birthday gathering.
Locke wanted to surprise Rosellini with a special birthday gift. Locke worked hard to get President Obama to show up at his 100th birthday celebration. Each time, the president’s demanding schedule prevented him from attending.
Now that Rosellini is resting in peace, he must be so proud to know how much he meant to his mentee. (end)