[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 34 (Thursday, February 26, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S2554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO LARRY H. MILLER

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, when the lights were dimmed and the 
spotlight shone on the empty seat at the end of Row A on the edge of 
the Utah Jazz basketball court last Saturday night, it symbolized so 
much more than the absence of its usual occupant. It demonstrated in 
very poignant, solemn terms the loss Utah experienced a few days ago 
with the death of one of its most beloved and prolific citizens, Larry 
H. Miller.
  On Friday, February 20, 2009, Larry H. Miller quietly passed away in 
his home with his beloved wife and family by his side. At the age of 
64, by all estimates, Larry left this earth way too early. His body had 
been ravaged over the past year with various medical maladies resulting 
from complications of Type 2 Diabetes. Yet, even though his body was 
physically depleted, his fighting spirit and pragmatic wisdom continued 
until his very last breath. I do not think anyone was really prepared 
to lose this mighty man.
  Larry came from humble beginnings. His life story exemplified from 
start to finish the true American dream. By all accounts his education 
and intelligence was not honed in a classroom, but in the workplace of 
our nation. Through odd jobs and a beginning career as an auto parts 
stock boy, he quickly graduated to owning his first car dealership with 
a business deal struck in an afternoon visit with an old acquaintance.
  Larry's business acumen was legendary. The risks he took were 
enormous and the decisions he made on a daily basis would stifle even 
the most experienced business leader. However, because of the risks he 
was willing to take and the business decisions he had the courage to 
make, the impact he left in every corner of our State cannot be 
overstated.
  From the days of his first car enterprise, his empire grew to include 
many car dealerships, movie theaters, restaurants, television and radio 
stations, a first-class sports arena, a race track, sports memorabilia 
and apparel stores, a professional baseball team, and of course, our 
cherished Utah Jazz.
  His professional life was punctuated by hard work, ingenuity, and 
good old-fashioned common sense. He was a man who wore many hats, and 
wore them well. He was plain spoken, and very direct in sharing his 
thoughts and opinions. He did not live a life of flash, but one of more 
humble trappings. I cannot think of Larry without picturing him at so 
many events, no matter the importance, in his trademark casual pants 
and golf shirt. He was a man who lived by his own creed, and never let 
anyone else define him.
  The relationships he developed, and consequently shared with Utah, 
have brushed our community with great color. Karl Malone, John 
Stockton, Jerry Sloan, Deron Williams, Thurl Bailey, Mark Eaton, and 
Jeff Hornacek are only a few people Larry befriended, hired, and 
mentored who have provided many hours of great sports entertainment to 
fans across the country. I know that personalities from time to time 
would clash, but at the end of the day Larry, and those who worked for 
or played for him, shared a mutual respect and love not often found in 
professional sports today.
  Larry not only contributed mightily to Utah's business climate, he 
also served in so many ways to improve the lives of people from all 
walks of life. His sense of community, and love for our State, were 
felt by all who came into contact with him. He did so many generous 
acts of service for his fellow man, quietly and behind the scenes, 
which most will never know occurred. He believed in people, and he 
loved helping many find the right path to follow.
  Larry Miller will forever be remembered for his business empire and 
leadership skills, but perhaps his greatest contribution was in the 
walls of his own home. He loved and cherished his wife of 48 years, 
Gail, as well as his five children, 21 grandchildren, and one great-
grandchild. He tutored them in the ways of business, but more 
importantly, in the love of family. As he began facing later years, 
Larry was quoted on many occasions stating his renewed desire to be the 
kind of husband, father, and grandfather he wanted to be. Within hours 
of Larry passing away, Gail and their children held a news conference 
praising the man they had known and loved. Their strength in his 
passing, I believe came from the love and care Larry had bestowed on 
each of them throughout his life.
  Utah lost a great man, and I lost a treasured friend. Throughout the 
years of my service in the United States Senate I would often look to 
Larry Miller for his wisdom and strength. He was a rare person to find 
in the political world, someone who worked for the good of our State 
and its people, instead of furthering his own ambitions. He wanted to 
be remembered for his ``love of Utah.'' And anyone who crossed paths 
with Larry can attest to his passion and love for our great State.
  Perhaps Larry H. Miller's life can best be summarized in his own 
words quoted in the Deseret News this week. He said, ``You know, I 
don't want this to sound boastful, but I really have had an 
extraordinary life.'' Yes, Larry did live an extraordinary life and I 
honor him for the contributions he made to Utah, its citizens, and most 
importantly to his family. His influence will never be forgotten, and 
his example will be followed by generations to come.

                          ____________________