[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 50 (Thursday, April 27, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S3017]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              LARRY COOKE

 Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding Vermonter and good friend, Larry Cooke, who recently died 
after a long illness. Born and raised in Vermont, Larry's love and 
devotion to his state and home town of Brattleboro framed all of his 
actions. We in Vermont are saddened by his loss but heartened by the 
legacy that he leaves behind.
  Larry's dedication to public service began early in his life. As an 
eighth grader, he was elected president of his class and never looked 
back. Like many of an earlier generation, Larry was a self-made man, 
going to work for his father immediately after graduating from 
Brattleboro Union High School.
  Demonstrating a devotion to his country that would extend throughout 
his life, Larry joined the Army and served in Germany before coming 
home to earn his real estate license. In this profession that he found 
his true calling, and it is here that he leaves his biggest footprint 
on the town of Brattleboro.
  Larry devoted his career to affordable housing and environmentally 
friendly developments. His most important projects have included 
renovating historic buildings to their original condition while making 
them viable for modern day usage.
  Larry was a consistent and important champion of affordable housing, 
taking the lead on the issue at the age of thirty as a candidate for 
Battleboro town selectman. He then went on to serve on the Brattleboro 
Housing Authority for two decades, building and renovating affordable 
housing and apartments throughout the area.
  As if his professional and private life did not take up enough of his 
time, Larry was active in every aspect of town affairs. He has served 
as president of the Kiwanis Club and as a corporator of Brattleboro 
Memorial Hospital. Among other activities too numerous to mention, 
Larry was a Mason, a member of the American Legion, the Shriners, and 
the Elks.
  Before he died, this close friend of mine gave one last gift to his 
community. Larry donated a historic home in the center of Brattleboro 
to the town's historical society for use as its headquarters and 
museum. Although only a small part of Larry's life-long contribution to 
Brattleboro, the home will stand as a lasting monument to a man who 
devoted his life to the betterment of his community.
  It has been said that we live in deeds, not years. While Larry died 
young, his accomplishments rival those of the oldest of men. He will be 
missed not only by Brattleboro and Vermont, but also by this country, 
where his life stands as a shining example for us all. My deepest 
condolences go out to Larry's devoted Wide, Kathleen, and his four 
daughters.

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