[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 102 (Friday, July 29, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        TRIBUTE TO MARGE LAITOS

  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to Marjorie Laitos 
of Rapid City, SD, who recently passed away. She was affectionately 
known as Marge to those of us who were her friends.
  Marge was a very special lady. She made a lasting impression on 
anyone who met her. Marge was an educated, well-read woman who 
effectively articulated her views. I have many fond memories of my 
visits to her home and our discussions about various issues.
  My friendship with Marge predates the beginning of my service in the 
U.S. Senate. I first met Marge while I was a Member of the House of 
Representatives. Over the years she provided me with invaluable advice 
and assistance. When I first was elected to the Senate, Marge helped to 
establish my Rapid City field office and worked as a member of my Rapid 
City staff for several years. I am very grateful for her loyal support 
and friendship.
  Marge was conversant in a wide range of subjects. Her interests were 
diverse--Egyptian history, geology, paleontology, archaeology, the 
environment, and natural history--to name just a few. She also was 
proud of her Scottish heritage and even traveled to Scotland to pursue 
her genealogical research.
  Although she was actively interested in many fields, her avocation 
was Egyptology. Several years ago she fulfilled a lifetime dream of 
traveling to Egypt to visit the historical and cultural sites there. 
She had read about and studied them for many years. Following that 
trip, Marge later wrote a book, ``Bon Bons, Baksheesh and Me,'' which 
described Egyptian history and culture in the context of her travel 
experiences.
  Being a published author is an achievement in itself. However, 
Marge's family was her greatest source of pride and enjoyment. She was 
a caring wife, mother, and grandmother. She not only encouraged and 
supported her children in their educational endeavors, but also 
practiced what she preached. As an avid reader, Marge was an inspiring 
role model for the continued pursuit of knowledge throughout one's 
life.
  Over the past few decades, we have witnessed a trend whereby some in 
our society have placed a lower priority on good manners, proper 
grammar, and standards of conduct. Marge was certainly the exception to 
this trend. She was poised, gracious, and resolute.
  Marge always rose to the occasion and did what needed to be done to 
help her husband, Jan, with his military career, her children with 
their education, and the good causes in which she believed. She was a 
gracious host, a fascinating conversationalist, and an articulate 
champion of her beliefs.

  But most of all, Marge was fun to be around. I will always remember 
her hearty laugh and her witty sense of humor. We can all draw lessons 
from her zest for learning and her enjoyment of life. Marge was a 
``Renaissance woman'' in the best sense of the term.
  She was a friend of mine and a great South Dakotan. She will be 
greatly missed by all of us who knew her.

                          ____________________