[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 70 (Friday, May 17, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S5299]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO GEORGE F. COURTOVICH

  Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, today I rise to pay tribute to George F. 
Courtovich of Stratham, NH. It was just 1 year ago that my wife and I 
attended this young man's funeral in New Hampshire. George died at an 
early age of 33, leaving behind his wife Debbie, daughter Colleen, 
parents, George and Dorothy, and brother Jim.
  I think nothing is harder than consoling a mother, a father, a wife, 
a brother, on the tragic loss, such an early and unexpected loss, of 
someone who was so close and loved and so young. However, my wife Mary 
Jo and I were able to learn so much more about George at his wake and 
funeral from his friends, colleagues, and family who had gathered to 
mourn his death.
  George had a youthful zeal for life that touched many in his 
community. From the senior citizens to whom he brought food to on 
holidays to the people in need he helped as a volunteer EMT in his 
hometown, George made a difference. George was a volunteer looking to 
help. He strived to make the quality of life better for not only his 
family but his community.
  George also was a ski instructor at Loon Mountain on weekends, 
helping others learn a sport that he had mastered. He even took on the 
task of teaching the senior Senator from Texas how to navigate on the 
snowy slopes of New Hampshire. This is a task daunting for even the 
most experienced ski instructor, but one George spoke of with honor, 
and, frankly, a little humor.
  George lived his life to the fullest always looking to move forward 
and to bring others with him. To see the numbers of people who turned 
out for his funeral, it was clear that the people who knew him had 
profound respect for what George did for his family and community.
  It is because of people like George Courtovich that we are here 
today, Mr. President. The hard working people of this country who 
contribute to their community, raise their families, help their 
neighbors, make this country what it is today. It is easy to find 
reasons why one cannot participate in their community or volunteer to 
help others. It is much easier than it is to become active in such 
endeavors. George did not take the easy route and for that he left this 
world as an example for others. He left too early, but was able to live 
three lifetimes before he did.
  No, George is not with us today but his memory and example of 
leadership and charity are. I join the Courtovich family as they 
prepare to celebrate his life at the morning mass on Tuesday, May 21, 
in honor of their son, brother, husband, and father at St. Michael's 
Church in Exeter, NH.

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