[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 117 (Tuesday, September 8, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9993-S9994]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO AUBREY ``COTTON'' LAKE

 Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Aubrey ``Cotton'' Lake, a long-time friend and respected member of the 
Tuscaloosa community, who passed away on Friday, August 14, 1998 at the 
age of 69.
  Aubrey was a valued employee of the Tuscaloosa News for 18 years and 
traveled extensively with the Alabama Crimson Tide football team. His 
photographs of the team won him the coveted Look Magazine National 
Sports Photography award, and many of his photographs hang in 
Tuscaloosa's Coach Bear Bryant Museum. Aubrey captured many of the 
Crimson Tide images that have become emblazoned on our memories--from 
photographs of Bear Bryant coaching the team to victory, to Joe Namath 
before his tenure with the NFL. Aubrey was there, documenting sports 
history, shooting and selecting the most descriptive photographs for 
the next day's Tuscaloosa News sports page.
  Aubrey was more than a sports photographer, however, and served both 
God and country throughout his life. In addition to his active 
membership at the First Freewill Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa, he also 
served many of Alabama's elected officials. For more than 24 years, 
Aubrey worked for late Representatives Walter Flowers and Claude 
Harris, and most recently for me, on my own staff.
  More than just an employee, Aubrey was a friend and a confidant. He 
was loyal, had a lifetime of experience in Alabama, and was a true 
servant to the people of our state. I could never have asked for a more 
dedicated staff member or friend.
  After leaving public service, Aubrey worked as president of 
Tuscaloosa Insulation Company, and served as a member of the Tuscaloosa 
Home Builders Association. He was an avid sportsman, and attended as 
many Alabama football games as possible.

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  Aubrey was a loving father, devoted community member, and friend to 
most anyone he met. He will be missed by all who knew him, especially 
his wife Dot, his daughter Suzanne, his son Greg, his grandchildren, 
and other family members and friends.
  I'm glad I had the opportunity to know and work with Aubrey Lake. He 
was a good friend, and I will miss him.

                          ____________________