[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 139 (Thursday, October 14, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12625-S12626]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               THE DEATH OF AMBASSADOR E. WILLIAM CROTTY

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I take this opportunity to express my 
regret at the loss of Ambassador E. William Crotty, U.S. Ambassador to 
Barbados. Bill assumed his position as ambassador in November 1998, so 
he had only begun his fine work representing the United States in 
Barbados and six other eastern Caribbean island nations. I am 
confident, however, that his contributions in service to his country 
would have continued and multiplied.

[[Page S12626]]

  I had the great fortune of knowing Bill over the years, and I saw 
firsthand his deep affection for his family and friends, and his fine 
work for his community, his party and his country. I am very sorry he 
will no longer be with us, and I send my condolences to his wife, 
Valerie, seven children and 14 grandchildren.
  Bill Crotty was an American success story. He was born in a small 
town during the Great Depression to a loving family. This set of 
experiences instilled in him a work ethic and a love of family and 
community that guided his life. Bill graduated from college and law 
school, succeeded in the business world and spent years giving back to 
his community and country.
  I would like to take a moment to cite some examples of Bill Crotty's 
work in his community that demonstrate the value of his contributions. 
He was chair of the Capital Fund Drive for Bethune-Cookman College. He 
was a member of the Board of Counselors of Bethune-Cookman College. He 
was chair of the membership drive for the Volusia County Society for 
Mentally Retarded Children. He was a member of the Board of Directors 
of the United Fund of Volusia County and of the Richard Moore Community 
Center, Inc. He was a charter member of W.O.R.C., an organization 
dedicated to the rehabilitation of the disabled.
  I could cite more examples, but these help provide a flavor of the 
kind of person Bill Crotty was. I feel privileged to have known him 
over the years. As a husband, father and grandfather, as a friend and 
as a public servant, Bill Crotty will be sorely missed.
  Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise to offer a tribute to a great 
Floridian and a great American: Mr. E. William ``Bill'' Crotty of 
Florida, the United States Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern 
Caribbean.
  Bill Crotty died Sunday, October 10, 1999, at Shands Teaching 
Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. Funeral mass and burial will take 
place today in Bill's hometown of Daytona Beach, Florida.
  Among Bill Crotty's many friends in this world, some of his closest 
friends are members of this body. On behalf of them and the United 
States Senate, we offer our heart-felt sympathy to Bill's wife, 
Valerie, and to his large and loving family.
  During his rich and full life, Bill Crotty was many things: a five-
sport athlete, lawyer, proud parent of seven children, successful 
businessman, Irish story-teller and political and civic activist. Above 
all, Bill Crotty was an ambassador. His smile, his laugh, his easy 
manner and his sense of humor were lifelong gifts to the countless 
individuals he encountered during his 68 years on this earth.
  Bill Crotty was an ambassador for his alma mater--Dartmouth College 
in his native New England. He was an ambassador for his adopted home of 
Daytona Beach, and its Bethune-Cookman College and International 
Speedway. The local Chamber of Commerce declared him Citizen of the 
Year in 1992.
  Late in life, Bill Crotty was officially certified as an ambassador. 
Last year, after Senate confirmation, he reported to our embassy in 
Barbados. He and Valerie have done an outstanding job representing the 
people of the United States in this important neighboring region. One 
of their efforts has been to help restore the historic home in Barbados 
where young George Washington once lived with his older brother.
  Like me, Bill Crotty was born during the Great Depression. 
Demographers note that America's birth rate declined during the 
Depression, prompting some social commentators to remark that the 
parents of those born during this troubled era were passionate or crazy 
or both.
  Bill was born with few material possessions. His strong family, his 
sharp mind, and agile body propelled him to top educational 
institutions and success in life.
  Most importantly, Bill Crotty was my friend. I fondly recall repeat 
visits to his home in Daytona Beach, and his tradition of preparing 
bountiful breakfasts to start the day. In addition to his cooking 
skills, Bill was rightfully proud of his agility on the tennis court.
  Mr. President, we mourn the loss of our friend, Ambassador Crotty, 
while recognizing and celebrating his many achievements in Daytona 
Beach, in Florida, in America, and throughout our hemisphere.

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