The Slidell Council Chambers was packed Tuesday night with the family and friends of the late Councilman Kevin Kingston, all who came to hear a speech honoring Kingston given by U.S. Sen. David Vitter.

The speech was given on the floor of the U.S. Senate July 24, three weeks after Kingston died of liver disease on July 3.

At the council meeting, Rachel Perez the community liaison for Vitter, read the speech to the standing-room-only audience.

Slidell Mayor Ben Morris, left, Council President Ray Canada and Rachel Perez, community liaison for U.S. Sen. David Vitter present Belinda Kingston with a speech given by Vitter on the Senate floor, honoring the late Councilman Kevin Kingston. (Staff Photo by Erik Sanzenbach)

Vitter said it was “an honor to honor one of the great citizens of Slidell.” The speech told of Kingston’s successful business, Kingfish Seafood.

But, according to Vitter, it wasn’t Kingston’s business acumen that earned him plaudits, it was his public service “that was his greatest accomplishment.”

Kingston was first elected to the council representing District D in 1998. In 2006, he was elected an at large councilman.

In Vitter’s speech, Kingston was remembered for his big heart and “zest for life.”

It was remembered how Kingston would pay people’s utility bills and how he looked out for Slidell residents who lived in trailers. He managed to help pass an ordinance that allowed these residents to replace their storm-damaged trailers even though the city code prohibited any new home trailers in Slidell.

“We have lost a great man and a great citizen,” Vitter said in his speech. “I honor a great Louisianian, Kevin Kingston, and his family.”

Perez said the speech was presented to the official publication, The Congressional Record. Perez then presented the speech to Kingston’s widow, Belinda.

“His heart was always in the right place,” said Council President Ray Canada after the speech was read into the record.

During the presentation, Mayor Ben Morris said he had a unique friendship with Kingston, despite their differences..

“I will miss him greatly,” Morris said.