[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 172 (Thursday, November 10, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7364-S7365]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING PAT TAKASUGI

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life of 
Idaho State Representative Pat Takasugi. I join his family and friends 
in mourning the passing of this great Idahoan.
  Pat's efforts and input on behalf of Idaho agriculture were 
indispensible. He had the experience and association through his role 
as the director of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture and a 
number of agricultural organizations and the on-the-ground knowledge of 
an innovative farmer that were instrumental in improving agricultural 
policy. His advocacy for Idaho agriculture advanced its position in 
domestic and foreign markets, and he leaves behind a legacy of skilled 
support.
  We are all better for having known Pat Takasugi. His intelligence, 
humility and dedication were exemplary. He

[[Page S7365]]

added the right amount of humor to every situation and approached 
challenges with optimism. He really liked people, and he took his time 
to give everyone his full attention. That quality along with his 
sincerity contributed to the vast number of friends and acquaintances 
who respect and adore him.
  Pat led a life of service to our State and Nation. After graduating 
from the College of Idaho and obtaining post graduate credits from the 
University of Idaho and Boise State University, Pat joined the U.S. 
Army through which he served 5 years in Active service and another 5 
years in Reserve service. During his military service, Pat was promoted 
to the rank of captain and qualified for Airborne wings, the Ranger tab 
and Special Forces green beret. After returning to Wilder, he grew a 
farm of 32 acres into a more than 1,500-acre-farm and was a partner in 
Snake River Produce. He also served for 10 years as the director of the 
Idaho State Department of Agriculture before he was elected in 2008 to 
represent Idaho's District 10 in the State legislature.
  His list of accomplishments and associations with a number of Idaho 
and national organizations, including his service as past president of 
the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, is 
extensive. He advocated for good jobs, a healthy rural economy, 
business development, lower taxes, less regulation, parental 
involvement in education, protection of private property and water 
rights and a lean and accountable government. His principles included 
belief that ``promoting strong families and renewing an individual 
sense of responsibility are key to reversing the erosion of our 
nation's foundation.'' He worked considerately to advance these and 
other objectives on behalf of Idahoans.
  I extend my condolences and prayers to Pat's family, friends and 
loved ones, including his wife Suzanne his three children and his 
parents Michio and Ayako. Pat was a great friend to many, and he was 
very proud of his family. He was a talented farmer and public servant. 
Pat Takasugi's contribution to our State will not be forgotten.

                          ____________________