Lay Is Remembered As a "Straight Arrow, a Boy Scout" [View All]

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Lay Is Remembered As a 'Straight Arrow'
Mourners Denounce Enron Prosecution
By Sylvia Moreno
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, July 13, 2006; Page A03

HOUSTON, July 12 -- Former Enron Corp. executive Kenneth L. Lay, the business visionary who became a symbol of corporate greed, was memorialized Wednesday for his devotion to his family, his faith and his philanthropy -- and also defended as a "good man" who was the victim of prosecutors and the media.

He was a "straight arrow -- a Boy Scout, if you will -- who lived by Christian-Judeo principles," longtime friend Mick Seidl said during a memorial service that drew almost 1,200 to First United Methodist Church. The church, where Lay and his wife, Linda, were married 24 years ago this Monday, is just blocks from the downtown skyscraper that once housed Enron, the energy-trading giant that Lay built. "I am saddened he will be remembered for the Enron indictment and trial," Seidl said. "An overzealous federal prosecutor and the media have vilified a good man. It was total character assassination."

The service drew a wide range of public officials and dignitaries who live in Houston, including former president George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush, former secretary of state James A. Baker III, and former Texas governor Mark White. This was the second service for Lay, 64, who died of a heart attack on July 5 while vacationing in Aspen, Colo., with his family. A private funeral was held there on Sunday. Lay's remains were cremated, and his ashes were buried in the Colorado mountains...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/12/AR2006071201776.html