[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 122 (Wednesday, July 26, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10745-S10746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    TRIBUTE TO GEORGE F. COURTOVICH

 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
George F. Courtovich of Stratham, NH. George passed away suddenly on 
May 21, 1995, at the age of 33.
  George was a great American. Although his was not a name that would 
be nationally recognized, George Courtovich was great because of the 
way in which he lived and influenced the lives of so many. He lived his 
life to the fullest and gave of himself to the community in numerous 
ways. Most notable was his volunteer work for the Stratham Fire 
Department where he was a member of the EMT rescue squad.
  George left his parents, Dorothy and George, his brother, Jim, and 
his wife, Debra, and daughter, Colleen, much too early. He will be 
missed by his family, his friends, his colleagues, those whose lives he 
saved through his EMT work, the elderly in the community to whom he 
delivered meals on weekends, and those he taught to enjoy the sport of 
skiing while an instructor at Loon Mountain. George touched many lives 
and embodied what is best about the American spirit. He has left this 
world for a new one, and though he is no longer with us, we are all 
enriched for having known him.
  The celebration of George's life was poignantly related by his 
brother Jim at the funeral service on May 24, 1995 at St. Michael's 
Church in Exeter, NH. Mr. President, I ask that the text of the eulogy 
be reprinted in the Record.
  The eulogy follows:
                  Eulogy Given by James C. Courtovich

       Today we come to celebrate the life of George Courtovich, 
     my brother, my best friend. George had many qualities, but 
     none stronger than the love he had for his family, friends, 
     and even strangers. George enjoyed life to the fullest, and 
     more importantly, he wanted everyone to enjoy it with him. He 
     made it easier for us to do so.
       George answered the call--whether as a volunteer fire 
     fighter, friend, neighbor, brother, son, father or husband--
     he was there to help. He believed that we were here to leave 
     this place better than we found it. George did.
       On Thanksgivings, before joining my parents and other 
     family members, George prepared and delivered dinners for 
     people for whom the day would have been nothing special 
     otherwise. His reward was, as in many instances, knowing he 
     helped make someone's day a little better.
       It is hard to quantify all of the good George did, as he 
     was able to bring people together, help a neighbor, be a 
     supportive family member in a way that would leave people 
     grateful but not obligated--sometimes not knowing until later 
     what George had done for them. I wish I could talk to all the 
     people 

[[Page S10746]]
     whom George helped as a volunteer E.M.T., but I know there were many. I 
     wish I could go back and find all of his friends he helped 
     along the way, but I know there were many. I just know, 
     however, that no matter where George was, he helped.
       I remember running into George the day I was leaving for a 
     ski weekend. George spotted my attire and shabby skis. For 
     all of you who were close to George, you know this was 
     unacceptable to him and off we went to a ski store--and we 
     shopped like only George could--he was standing at the fore, 
     directing three salesmen in eight directions ensuring that I 
     arrived at the mountain outfitted for an Olympic tryout. As 
     he paid, George looked at me and said he could not let me go 
     skiing looking like I would have because it might have hurt 
     his image on the slopes. He didn't fool me, I knew he was 
     helping me, like he had so many times before. That was 
     classic George.
       To understand George's love of family, you need look only 
     at the walls of his and Debbie's home, where Norman 
     Rockwell's four Freedoms hang. Freedom from Want hangs over 
     the dining room table, Freedom of Speech and Freedom to 
     Worship are in the living room, and Freedom from Fear watches 
     over Colleen's crib. This is how George wanted life to be, 
     for all of us. This is what George strived for. He helped us 
     all get one step closer to Rockwell's world.
       George brought Debbie, and they together, Colleen into our 
     lives. They have made us stronger and richer. Deb, you are 
     the sister I never had. You brought George so much happiness 
     and joy. We take great comfort in knowing you have been part 
     of George's life and have made it better--as you have done 
     for all of us.
       Mom and Dad, you stood by George and helped him along the 
     way. You were always there for him, as you are for me. Just 
     by moving no further than a few miles from you shows the love 
     he had for the both of you. Your commitment to him was clear, 
     your love, unquestioned.
       My Grandmother, of course, has been here for all of us. We 
     know this is especially hard on you, but we can all rest 
     easier knowing George is with our grandfather now. Together, 
     with our many other beloved relatives, they are watching over 
     us.
       And to all of you who have come to express your support and 
     sympathy, our family appreciates everything you have done for 
     us. We know that this is a tragedy we all share in and will 
     need each other to get through it. Just knowing that there 
     are so many of you there, comforts us greatly.
       Today we have come to say good-bye to my brother, my best 
     friend. Today we will leave here with George in all of us; he 
     will live on in our memories and our hearts forever. George, 
     we love you.
     

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