[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 93 (Tuesday, July 14, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1297-E1298]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO BILL OBAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. EARL POMEROY

                            of north dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 14, 1998

  Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Speaker, today, North Dakotans said goodbye to a 
great friend and one of the most compassionate leaders the State has 
ever seen. State Representative Bill Oban passed away last week and I 
would like to take this opportunity to pay him tribute.
  As a leader in the State legislature over the past 14 years, Bill 
worked tirelessly on behalf of those who needed the most help. His 
energy seemed endless during tough battles over compensation for 
injured workers and education for students with special needs. Bill 
represented the best part of the Democratic Party--he was, as one good 
friend described him, the party's conscience--giving a voice to so many 
people without one. During a time when our country is long on political 
rhetoric and in short supply of people with vision working on behalf of 
others, Bill stood tall as a true champion.
  You see, Bill was less interested in taking credit than he was in 
making a difference. And with that attitude, what a difference he did

[[Page E1298]]

make! Sadly, he leaves behind a wonderful family that is just beginning 
to deal with their great loss. His wife Alice and his children Heather, 
Shawn and Chad are in my thoughts and prayers during this terribly 
difficult time.
  North Dakotans not only lost a smart, caring legislator--they lost a 
good friend in Bill Oban. The newspaper from the State's largest city, 
The Forum, joined with the rest of the State in mourning the huge loss, 
calling Bill a family man first, an educator second, a lawmaker third. 
Knowing Bill, I am sure that is exactly how he would have liked people 
to remember him.

                        Bill Oban Will Be Missed

       North Dakotans didn't have to agree with state Rep. Bill 
     Oban in order to respect his commitment to the people of his 
     state. When the Bismarck Democrat died Friday from injuries 
     suffered in an automobile crash a few days before, the state 
     lost a compassionate and intelligent legislator.
       Oban, 51, earned the respect of his colleagues because of 
     his dedication to his ideals. His passion, which sometimes 
     rose to indignant anger, made for lively committee meetings 
     and floor debates in the state House of Representatives.
       Even his political foes enjoyed Oban's style because they 
     understood his determination to make North Dakota a better 
     place for all. As a member of the minority, he often lost the 
     issue, but never lost his sense of humor.
       Oban grew up in New Rockford, lived in Grafton, and 
     eventually settled his family in Bismarck. He had a good 
     grasp of the different needs of rural and urban counties.
       He was a family man first, an educator second, a lawmaker 
     third. That combination served him sell as an advocate for 
     youth, families and people in need.
       One of Oban's colleagues described him as ``the 
     conscience'' of his political party. We would extend that 
     characterization. His record suggests he was the conscience 
     of the Legislature, often reminding the House of its 
     responsibility to all North Dakotans, no matter their social 
     or economic status.
       North Dakotans say goodbye to Oban today. We join with his 
     family, friends, and colleagues in mourning his death. He 
     will be missed.

     

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