[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 94 (Friday, June 9, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S8080]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      IN MEMORY OF GRANT KOPPELMAN

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I was recently presented with tragic news 
regarding the death of a unique and talented young man. Grant 
Koppelman, a native of Rapid City, SD, who worked in my office in 1986, 
was killed while traveling overseas. He was 30 years old.
  My heartfelt condolences go out to his family. Few individuals are 
blessed with the combination of intelligence, compassion, and 
personality that Grant possessed. With his disarming smile and quick 
wit, Grant could dissolve tension into humor, negating interpersonal 
conflict with great ease.
  At the same time, his ability to instantaneously analyze situations 
and articulate brilliant responses earned him instant respect from 
those who challenged him. Those skills served Grant well through his 
years in high school debate, his time spent working for me, his years 
at Harvard Law School, and his successful private practice.
  His professional life, however, was only a small part of this 
remarkable man's persona. Grant's love of knowledge and adventure 
continuously led him abroad. Members of my staff often would remark to 
me that they had heard from Grant while he was in Europe, or that Grant 
had written them about the political situation in Burma. Most recently 
he had sent out postcards from the Maldives Islands off the coast of 
India, with his usual promise that he would stay in contact.
  Grant had always made good on that commitment to stay connected to 
his friends. That fact, in part, helps explain the devastating shock we 
felt over his death. The few details we know tell us that Grant was 
hitchhiking in Ethiopia and that someone tossed a grenade into the car 
in which he and a friend were riding.
  Although a senseless act of violence took Grant from us at such a 
young age, he filled his life as completely as he was able, always 
looking for his next opportunity to learn, to challenge himself and to 
grow. His spirit greatly enriched those he touched, and we will miss 
him.
  I yield the floor.
  Mr. PRESSLER. I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, I ask that I may use some additional leader 
time.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The majority leader has that right.
  

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