[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 139 (Wednesday, October 7, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S11694]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             ROBERT LANCTOT

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, my very good friend, Robert Lanctot, died 
after a courageous bout with cancer. Bob, and his wife Betty, were two 
very special friends of my wife and I.
  When I first ran for the Senate in 1974, Bob helped me in an area of 
the state where no Democrat could ever expect to get votes. Everybody 
told him I couldn't win, but he persevered and not only did I win, but 
went on in subsequent elections to carry the area significantly. I have 
always felt that a large part of that was do to Bob Lanctot.
  Notwithstanding our close friendship, Bob never requested anything 
for himself or his family from me. He did, however, continuously speak 
out for those people who did not have a strong voice in Washington. He 
truly believed in helping working families and those who have always 
made our state and our country strong. We have lost a special 
Vermonter, and I ask unanimous consent that the obituary from the 
Caledonia' Record be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the article was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

              [From the Caledonian-Record, Sept. 21, 1998]

       Lanctot: Robert ``Bob'' L. Sr., 77, formerly of Peacham and 
     St. Johnsbury, died at his daughter and son-in-law's home in 
     Waterford Sunday morning, Sept. 20, 1998.
       He was born in St. Johnsbury Feb. 28, 1921, the last 
     surviving child of Archie and Ann (Brunelle) Lanctot. He 
     married Betty L. Farnham; together they raised six children. 
     Betty predeceased him, Sept. 12, 1996, and the oldest son 
     Robert predeceased his mother in January of 1996.
       Bob was a great believer in the rights of the common 
     worker. He was president of the Northeast Kingdom Labor 
     Council for a number of years, served as vice president of 
     the state labor council, and was a very active member of 
     local 5518. He was the delegate to the state labor convention 
     for the last 25 years and was recognized by the Vermont State 
     labor council AFL-CIO for his significant contributions to 
     that organization, the labor movement and Vermont working 
     families. Bob was a working Vermonter, retiring from Vermont 
     America in 1982.
       Bob was a strong Democrat. He was an active and valuable 
     member of the Caledonia County Democratic committee. He held 
     many positions over the years with the Vermont State 
     Democratic Party, including the platform committee, and most 
     recently served on the state executive board.
       He was a veteran of World War II and a member of Sheridan 
     Council 421 Knights of Columbus. He also served on the board 
     of directors of NEKCA and Vermont State Council on 
     Alcoholism.
       He is survived by five children, Patricia Ann Salomonson of 
     Manchester, N.H., James Lanctot and wife Kathy of 
     Lyndonville, Judith Syx of Hartland, Richard Lanctot of 
     Burlington, and Elaine Robinson and husband Thomas of 
     Waterford; 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; a 
     daughter-in-law, Judy Woods Lanctot of Jamaica Plain, Mass.; 
     several nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends. He was 
     predeceased by brothers Lester, Philip and William, and a 
     sister Agnes.
       A funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday at 11 a.m. at 
     St. John's Church. Burial will be at the convenience of the 
     family at Peacham Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held at 
     the funeral home Tuesday from 6-8 p.m.
       Memorial contributions, marked for hospice, may be directed 
     to Caledonia Home Health & Hospice, P.O. Box 383, St. 
     Johnsbury, VT 05819.
       Arrangements are by Sayles Funeral Home, 68 Summer St., St. 
     Johnsbury.

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