[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 93 (Tuesday, June 19, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S4295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING PERRY SWISHER

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life and 
legacy of Joseph ``Perry'' Swisher. A third-generation Idahoan, Perry 
committed much of his life to service to our State and Idahoans.
  Perry was born in Bruneau, IA, and educated at Pocatello High School, 
University of Idaho Southern Branch and Idaho State University. He had 
an extensive career as a journalist and in elected office. This 
included his work as the Pocatello News Bureau manager for the Salt 
Lake Tribune, editor and publisher of the Intermountain, and assistant 
managing editor for the Lewiston Morning Tribune. In the late 1960s 
through mid 1970s, Perry owned The Book Arcade in Pocatello. For 7 
years, he served as director of special services at Idaho State 
University and was involved in helping low-income and minority students 
succeed in college. He also served as a member and president of the 
Idaho Public Utilities Commission, as Idaho State representative of 
Bannock County, Idaho State senator for Bannock County, and as a member 
of the Pocatello City Council. Perry received many awards and honors 
for his work and served on a number of boards and commissions.
  His immense experience in many aspects of the communities he lived in 
and the State contributed to his deep understanding of Idaho and 
Idahoans. Perry was known for his ability to simplify complex issues 
and make them understandable. He was sharp and inquisitive and had a 
propensity for debate and thought-provoking discussions. Perry had a 
comprehensive knowledge and sense of Idaho history, which he was 
willing to share if asked. Although his political partisan affiliations 
were famously known to shift according to the cyclical vagaries of 
political thought, his own view of the world remained consistent. His 
view of current events, always stated in the context of Idaho history, 
was of enormous value to many, including to those in my office. He also 
had an innate kindness and fabulous sense of humor that made the 
lessons he delivered particularly enjoyable.
  I extend my heartfelt condolences to Perry's wife of 64 years, Nicky 
Swisher, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many 
other family members and friends. Perry was truly exceptional. His 
steadfast determination and efforts in support of and to better our 
state will always be remembered.

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