[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 120 (Wednesday, July 25, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S9914]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MORT BISHOP, JR.

 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, as a native and resident of 
Pendleton, OR, I have enjoyed a lifelong affection for the Pendleton 
Round-Up, which is quite simply America's finest rodeo. Pendleton 
Woolen Mills locally based and family owned for more than 140 years has 
sponsored the Round-Up both financially and with merchandise for as 
long as I can remember. A great deal of credit for the continuing 
success of both the Round-Up and Woolen Mills is owed to the leadership 
and vision of
C.M. ``Mort'' Bishop, Jr. This remarkable Oregonian passed away on July 
11 at the age of 82. I wish to pay tribute to his life and legacy.
  Mort was a proud member of what has been termed the ``greatest 
generation'' and, like so many of that generation, he wore our 
country's uniform into battle during World War II. As a U.S. marine, 
Mort served with the 5th and 14th Battalions in the Pacific theater and 
participated in the liberation of Guam in July 1944.
  After returning home from the war, Mort joined the family business: 
Pendleton Woolen Mills. Mort helped guide this iconic Oregon company 
for nearly 50 years, eventually succeeding his father as company 
president. Most recently, Mort served next to his brother, `Brot,' as 
co-vice chairman.
  Even while managing a demanding business, Mort always found time to 
give back to his community and his State. From the Oregon Historical 
Society to the Boy Scouts of America, from Willamette University to the 
Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation and the University of Oregon 
Foundation, Mort generously gave his time, talent, and treasure to 
countless worthy causes. But let there be no doubt, the cause held 
closest to Mort's heart was the Pendleton Round Up. I knew that every 
September I could count on seeing Mort and his wonderful family 
enjoying the nearly 100-year-old rodeo.
  Mort also held a close friendship with the Confederated Tribes of the 
Umatilla Indian Reservation, who have played an integral role in the 
annual Round-Up. Indeed, the design inspirations for Pendleton Woolen 
Mills blankets originate on the Umatilla reservation. In 2001, Mort was 
honored as the grand marshall for the Round-Up's Westward Ho! Parade. 
The Umatilla and Nez Perce Indian tribes have also honored him with the 
Indian name ``Caacaa Kuta,'' which means ``just right doer of things.'' 
And just 2 months ago, Mort was inducted into the Pendleton Round-Up 
Hall of Fame.
  Mr. President, I am proud to have had Mort Bishop as a friend. I join 
with many other Oregonians in extending our condolences to Mort's 
family. Mort is survived by four children, nine grandchildren, two 
great-grandchildren, and his brother- and sister-in-law. As long as 
there is a Pendleton Round-Up and as long as there is a Pendleton 
Woolen Mills, Mort Bishop, Jr., will always be remembered as a ``just 
right doer of things.''

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