[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 159 (Wednesday, October 1, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S10307]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO LAPRELE AND JUDGE LLOYD GEORGE

  Mr. ENSIGN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a Nevada couple who 
have spent their lives contributing to the community, committing to 
their family, and serving as an example to us all.
  Lloyd and LaPrele George have shared more than 50 years together. 
During that half century, Lloyd served as a fighter pilot in the U.S. 
Air Force, graduated from Brigham Young University, and earned his 
juris doctorate from the University of California at Berkley. Since 
1974 and an appointment to the Federal Bankruptcy Court, he has been 
known fondly in Nevada as Judge George. He was appointed as a U.S. 
district court judge in 1984, served 5 years as the chief U.S. district 
judge, and assumed senior judge status in 1997.
  I am reminded of Judge George every time I go to my southern Nevada 
office, as the newest Federal building in Las Vegas proudly bears his 
name. Judge George is a fixture in the Nevada legal community, but his 
reputation extends beyond the walls of his courthouse and beyond the 
borders of the United States. He has lectured on legal topics 
nationally and internationally and often serves as an ambassador, 
showing foreign dignitaries around the courthouse and introducing them 
to southern Nevada.
  While his name may be known by jurists around the world, his own 
world has always revolved around his wife LaPrele, their 4 children, 
and 13 grandchildren. In November, Opportunity Village, one of the most 
respected local organizations in Las Vegas, will honor the George 
Family with the ``Order of the Village.'' The Georges will be 
recognized for their tireless advocacy on behalf of people with 
intellectual disabilities.
  Lloyd and LaPrele's oldest son Doug sparked their involvement in the 
special needs community. At a time when it was expected that children 
with intellectual disabilities would be sent to institutions, the 
Georges instead embraced their son and became champions for those with 
intellectual disabilities and an inspiration for their families. They 
were involved in the early days of the Clark County Association of 
Retarded Children, even cosigning the mortgage on the group's first 
building. Over time, it evolved into Opportunity Village, Nevada's 
largest private, not-for-profit community rehabilitation program. 
Serving more than 3,000 people a year, Opportunity Village offers 
Nevadans, like Doug George, a chance to earn a paycheck and feel a 
sense of independence.
  The Georges have shined the light of their service on southern Nevada 
for many years. We have been blessed by their heartfelt involvement and 
loving leadership. Judge George and LaPrele, thank you for your 
commitment to your family and to our community. There is hope and 
opportunity for many Nevadans because of you. May God continue to bless 
you and your family.

                          ____________________