Our community and state lost one of its most beloved sons with the passing of Sen. William G. Doc Myers.
Sen. Myers epitomized what the constitutional framers had in mind when they crafted the term citizen legislator.
Doc used his experiences as a physician to become the renowned expert on health and human issues in the Legislature and in our state. Before staking out a position on a matter related to the health and human services field, astute legislators would first ask: Where does Doc stand on the issue?
Sen. Myers' handprint is evident throughout the Treasure (Research) Coast. His legacy is forever cast with the naming of the Martin County Public Health Unit in his honor. His support of Indian River State College helped it become one of the finest in the country.
Sen. Myers work on statewide public health issues is exemplified by the naming of the legislation that created the Florida Department of Health agency in his honor, The Senator William G. Doc Myers Public Health Act of 1996.
Docs love of children is legendary. In 2002, the William G. Doc Myers' Healthy Kids Corporation Act was passed into law. Today, thousands of children in Florida receive health care thanks to the vision and hard work of Sen. Myers.
Sen. William G. Doc Myers was a shining example for elected officials to follow. Known as a powerful legislator, Sen. Myers seldom, if ever, used his power and influence. He didnt have to. Doc always felt that real leaders should never have to use or show their power to be effective.
Never one to take credit for anything, Sen. William G. Doc Myers served by the words of President Ronald Reagan: Theres no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesnt mind who gets the credit.
A crusader of societys most vulnerable, Sen. William G. Doc Myers will be remembered as a difference maker and as someone who left this life better than he found it.
Let us mourn the loss of a great man, husband and father and celebrate the life of a public servant who lived life helping others.
