[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 34 (Thursday, March 21, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E414-E415]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 PAYING TRIBUTE TO OTTO ``TINK'' SNAPP

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 20, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I rise 
today to recognize the life and contributions of Otto ``Tink'' Snapp of 
Pueblo, Colorado who peacefully left us on a Monday morning, February 
18, 2002. Tink was a popular member of the community and was often 
sought by many for his listening ear, advice, and warm smile. He served 
his country and fellow Coloradans for over a half century, and as his 
family and friends mourn his loss, I would like to take this 
opportunity to highlight his accomplishments and generosity to his 
fellow man.
  Tink began his service to this country in 1942 as a member of the 
Army Air Force in China, serving in the hostile China-Burma-India 
Theater. It was in this area during World War II that our nation fought 
and held Japanese advances into China. Tink, along with thousands of 
soldiers and airmen, braved the hazards of the environment to ensure 
that democracy and freedom reigned throughout the world.
  After the war, Tink returned to his native Pueblo and continued his 
service to his community as an employee of Minequa Bank. Over the years 
he served in several positions; beginning as the bank bike messenger 
and eventually rising to the position of executive vice president. 
Tink's is the kind of story that lends substance to the American Dream. 
His long career spanned almost fifty years, ending in 1994 with his 
retirement at the age of 75.
  Tink was well known throughout the community as an avid sportsfan who 
enjoyed a wide range of sports, from golf and tennis to basketball and 
softball. For over twenty-three years, he traveled as a referee at home 
and on the road to ensure fair and unbiased officiating for local 
Colorado sporting events. Tink also served his community as a deacon 
and elder of the First Presbyterian Church and as a member of his local 
Masonic Order, and the Colorado Bankers Association.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to pay tribute to Otto ``Tink'' Snapp 
for the great strides he

[[Page E415]]

took in establishing himself as a valuable leader in the Pueblo 
community. His loving wife Lorraine, sons Ronald and Bruce, and stepson 
Scott survive him. His dedication to family, friends, work, and the 
community certainly deserves the recognition of this body of Congress, 
and this nation. Although Tink has left us, his good-natured spirit 
lives on through the lives of those he touched. I would like to extend 
my regrets and deepest sympathies to his family and friends during 
their time of remembrance and bereavement.

                          ____________________