[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 114 (Thursday, July 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1134-E1135]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LATE SMITH BRETT LAWRENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2016

  Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 
late Mr. Smith Brett Lawrence of Keene, New York, who was extremely 
dedicated to his family, his community, and his country.
   Mr. Lawrence, known as Brett to most, served during the Vietnam War 
as a United States Marine. He was an Adirondack Guide and lived the 
majority of his life in Keene, New York, located in New York's 21st 
Congressional District. Brett will be remembered by his family and 
friends as a loyal and dedicated man, with a wonderful sense of charity 
and a deep faith.
   Brett devoted many years to organizations in his community including 
the Keene Valley Rod and Gun Club, the American Legion Post 1312, and 
the Keene Valley Congregational Church. Brett also drove sleds at the 
Lake Placid Bobsled-Run for 18 years, served with the Keene Volunteer 
Fire Department for 30 years, and also served as the chair of the Town 
of Keene Republican Committee.
   However, what may have been Brett's greatest service to his 
community was his role as Keene's Santa Claus for the past 40 years. 
Dressed as Santa Claus, Brett would visit the

[[Page E1135]]

neighborhood houses, area hospitals, St. Agnes School, and often made 
house calls upon request. His role as Santa eventually earned him 
important recognition by Keene Central School's Honor Society, which 
honored him as ``a graduate who has made outstanding contributions to 
our town, state, and nation.'' Brett will be missed by many for his 
dedication to civics through his involvement in many local 
organizations in Upstate New York and beyond.
   I thank Brett's family for sharing him with the community and send 
them my most heartfelt condolences on his loss.

                          ____________________