[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 137 (Tuesday, September 27, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 27, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       TRIBUTE TO SAMUEL SNELLER

 Mr. DeCONCINI. Mr. President, almost 50 years ago Theodore 
Roosevelt defined the word ``success.'' ``Real success,'' he said, 
``consists in doing one's duty well in the path where one's life is 
led.'' Sam Sneller lived Teddy Roosevelt's definition of success.
  When he died last week at the age of 75, Sam had earned the 
reputation of a successful businessman. The small drapery company which 
he opened in my hometown of Tucson would grow from 1 to 32 employees 
under Sam's guidance and would spawn stores in five other cities. He 
also excelled as a developer, constructing retail centers and homes for 
over 450 Tucsonan families. His business acumen was lengendary--and so 
was his honesty. His business partner for over 17 years put it best:

       A handshake or his word was his bond. Once that was 
     established, people who knew him, knew that what Sam Sneller 
     said was what Sam Sneller was going to do.

  But it was Sam's commitment to politics, and his genius in this 
avocation, for which he will be most remembered. Early in his life Sam 
made a decision which would impact the lives of countless others: A 
child of the Great Depression, Sam decided to become a Democrat. As he 
stated in a 1974 article, he believed it was the Government's role ``to 
make sure everyone has a full belly and a place to sleep at night.''
  Sam was a master campaigner. Over three decades he raised millions of 
dollars for the Democratic Party and was a major player in electing 
Democrats to office in a State dominated by Republicans. Mr. President, 
I can attest to Sam's genius, because I was one of those Democrats. Sam 
was my fundraiser in my very first election as Pima County attorney. 
When I was first running for the U.S. Senate, back in 1977, no one else 
believed in me--except Sam and my family. He was a major player in my 
campaign and a major reason for my victory, unexpected by many.
  Sam Sneller was generous, giving, with a keen sense of humor. He 
defined success by what he did and by the way he lived his life. He was 
a very close friend who will be sorely missed, not only by me but by 
all those whose lives he touched.

                          ____________________