The numbers will tell you that retirements from Congress are still a bit below average. But what the numbers don’t tell you is that the nature of the retirements so far is anything but average. The last few weeks have brought announcements from three giants in the House: George Miller, Henry Waxman, and now John Dingell. None has come as a shock. But all bring a real sadness to this Congress maven.

If you are intrigued by the lawmaking process, it is a joy to watch a master at work. The three above are masters—none more so than John Dingell. Much has been written about Dingell over many decades, a lot of it by me, and a whole lot when he passed the milestone in 2009 of becoming the longest serving member of the House and again in 2013 when he became the longest serving member of Congress ever, supplanting Robert C. Byrd.

The Michigan Democrat has served in Congress for 58 years, and was immersed in the House for a long time before that, as his father held the seat for the previous 22 years, going back to the beginning days of the FDR era. At 87, he is still as passionate about the issues, as savvy about how Congress works, as knowledgeable about the policies, as he ever was, which makes him more passionate, savvy, and knowledgeable than the vast majority of his colleagues. The fact is that he could stay in office and still be a force, hitting the 60-year mark with ease. Even in this hothouse and rancorous atmosphere, Dingell commands widespread respect across all the usual barriers in Congress. But with little chance that Democrats will recapture the House majority, with little likelihood at this point of advances in important policies, and with an acute understanding that at his age, there is no guarantee he will continue to have the same capacity to stay on top of things, his choice is a wise one.