[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 82 (Thursday, June 12, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5631-S5632]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO MORTIMER CAPLIN

 Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, as a former student and longtime 
friend of Mr. Mortimer Caplin, I rise today to honor him as a dedicated 
professor of law at the University of Virginia as well as for his 
service to the United States. He is well known to the Members of the 
Senate for his expert counsel in the field of tax law, and is known to 
people everywhere as a man of the highest integrity and deepest 
commitment to public service. Mr. President, I ask that you join me in 
recognizing the invaluable contributions of Mr. Caplin by submitting 
for the Record the following remarks made by his son, Michael Caplin, 
on the occasion of the naming of the Mortimer Caplin Pavilion at the 
University of Virginia.
  The remarks follow:


    Dedication of the Mortimer Caplin Pavilion at the University of 
                    Virginia Law School, May 3, 1997

                          (By Michael Caplin)

       On a cold winter day in 1932, Daniel Caplin drove his only 
     son Mortimer from New York City to central Virginia to visit 
     family friends. If truth be told, Mortimer didn't really want 
     to go, and joined the expedition under protest.
       By the time they reached Charlottesville, a light snow had 
     gently draped the town and the University grounds in a 
     sparkling blanket of white. Like everyone who has ever seen 
     that wondrous sight, Mortimer Caplin was completely 
     enchanted.
       They stayed the night, and fate bumped them into a 
     childhood friend then enrolled at the University. He took 
     them both to Pi Lambda Phi, where a warm fraternal welcome 
     made the young man feel very much at home. On they went to 
     watch the mighty U.Va. boxing team successfully defend its 
     honor before an adoring crowd of 5,000 packed into Memorial 
     Gym. Mortimer Caplin was captivated by the fierce pride, the 
     superior sportsmanship, and the magical presence of Thomas 
     Jefferson.
       Thus began what is now a sixty-five year relationship which 
     has enriched them both. He enrolled in the college and then 
     the law school, and immersed himself in every aspect of 
     campus life-arts, athletics, scholarship, and student 
     government. Here he learned many lessons and skills with 
     which he fashioned a life of stunning achievement. For that 
     he is profoundly grateful. And, like Mr. Jefferson, Mr. 
     Caplin believes that there is a debt of service due from 
     every man to the community which has enriched him. It's a 
     debt he is proud to repay.
       He does so by serving our University as a committed 
     teacher, and a distinguished and devoted alumnus. Mr. Caplin 
     also serves on the Law School Foundation, as Chair of the 
     University Council for the arts, and, formerly, as a member 
     of the University Board of Visitors. Most recently, he is 
     Captain of the Law School's bold $100 million fund raising 
     campaign.
       When I heard about that campaign, I asked my father if he 
     could honestly say that the world really needed more lawyers. 
     Without a moment's hesitation, he replied with 
     complete innocence, ``The world will always need more 
     Virginia lawyers.''
       That's how he feels about this special place, and that is 
     why he continues to serve our University with unflagging 
     enthusiasm and energy. He always has and always will do 
     whatever he can to preserve and strengthen his most important 
     institution.
       Commitment and service of this caliber are very special. My 
     father is a very special person and a very special role 
     model. He is a quiet giant of a human being--a great man who 
     does everything, truly everything, with modest excellence, 
     impeccable integrity, fairness, generosity, and an innocent 
     steadfast faith in the character and value of all people.
       Like his father, our Grandpa Dan Caplin, he lives life, 
     attacks it with gusto, and finds joy in everything he does. 
     He laughs with children, chats with strangers, and gives help 
     to anyone in need. He rejoices at the sweet smell of spring, 
     and celebrates the glory of theater, art, and dance. His 
     energy and enthusiasm are boundless.
       You may know him for his scholarly articles, his learned 
     discourse, and his many contributions to our government, our 
     society, and our school. You should also know him for the 
     funny games he plays with his grandchildren, lying on the 
     floor, sharing their fantasy babble. That, too, he does with 
     fervor and flair.

[[Page S5632]]

       He loves his family with a fierce and constant passion that 
     makes us feel strong and safe in a chaotic world. For 51 
     years he has always made time to check our homework, cheer 
     our victories, examine our failures, support our dreams, and 
     exhort us to make hard choices and disciplined commitment 
     necessary to excel. He is a wonderful, wonderful father. And 
     for 54 enchanted years he celebrated his greatest love and 
     matchless muse, my mother, Ruth Caplin. He is a devoted 
     husband.
       Mortimer Caplin is a very special man. He has excelled in 
     everything. His life story is simply remarkable. He was a 
     skillful actor in college and president of the Virginia 
     Players. He was an NCAA boxing champ, graduated first in his 
     college class, first in his law school class, and was Editor 
     in Chief of the Law Review.
       Did you know he commanded a navy battalion during the D-day 
     landing at Omaha Beach? Or, that he might have worked at the 
     FBI if his applications had not been mysteriously lost again 
     and again and again. I thank you, J. Edgar Hoover.
       Did you know that when he came to teach at U.Va., Mortimer 
     Caplin was not a tax expert or especially versed in trusts & 
     estates. He was a corporate law buff, but threw himself into 
     these new areas with typical abandon, mastering them, and 
     then teaching with aplomb.
       Like his father, he was dedicated to his students, and gave 
     them his very best. And, like his father, he is proudest of 
     his work as a teacher. He trained and disciplined a legion of 
     young lawyers to become assets to their profession and 
     community. Two of those students extolled his vast talents 
     and wisdom to their big brother, who then called Mr. Caplin 
     back into public service, where he served with integrity and 
     distinction.
       Caplin & Kennedy's IRS never investigated enemies. They 
     computerized, closed loopholes, and spread the tax burden 
     equally. His superior performance earned him the Treasury 
     Department's highest honor, the Alexander Hamilton Award.
       The law firm he founded is excellent, staffed with good, 
     civilized people who, like himself, care about the law and a 
     duty of superior service. And the capital campaign committee 
     under his exuberant leadership, has nearly reached its 
     stunning $100 million goal, including the creation of this 
     magnificent pavilion.
       This is an exemplary life. And, on top of all that, you 
     should know that he's been going to the gym at least 3 times 
     a week for 60 straight years, he is at all times within 3 
     pounds of his college fighting weight, and he is currently #2 
     nationwide in the number of lengths swum in the 80 years and 
     older category, and it's reported that #1 is probably taking 
     steroids.
       I'm very happy to stand here today on behalf of my family 
     to say that we love our father dearly, that we are very proud 
     to be Caplins, and that we thank you all very much for giving 
     him this wonderful honor that he most certainly deserves.
       Our society and our school really are better because of the 
     effort and achievement of Mortimer Caplin. And we all really 
     are enriched by his example of life lived passionately on 
     every single level. We all are summoned by his example of 
     integrity, civility, fearless enthusiasm, and uncompromising 
     discipline and resolve. Hit first, hit hardest, and keep on 
     hitting, his U.Va. Boxing coach once said. And so he does. 
     Focus, give of yourself honestly and unselfishly, be 
     optimistic, be kind. Then, everything is possible.
       Congratulations, Mr. Caplin, and thank you for doing 
     everything for everybody.

                          ____________________