[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 20 (Tuesday, January 30, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S558]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                    Remembering Elder Von G. Keetch

  Mr. FLAKE. Mr. President, I rise to honor the life of my friend Elder 
Von G. Keetch, legal counsel and leader in the Church of Jesus Christ 
of Latter-day Saints. His passing on Friday evening was sudden and 
unexpected, and I wish to extend my condolences to his family during 
this difficult time.
  Elder Keetch served as a general authority and executive director of 
the LDS Church's Public Affairs Department. He helped to shape 
community and government relations for the church as a recognized 
expert in constitutional law. His career was devoted to defending 
religious liberty for all religious institutions. His insight was 
particularly salient during this ever-changing world. As his daughter 
Steffani Keetch Dastrup said, ``He wanted to defend and support all 
churches and all religious beliefs and all people's rights to believe 
and act the way they feel is right. That was a big part of his work.''
  I consider it a privilege to have worked alongside Elder Keetch over 
the past several years. I was able to witness firsthand the love he had 
for his wife, the pride he had in his children, and the devotion he had 
for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for his guidance, for his 
counsel, and for his friendship.
  His humble expertise and kind demeanor will be sorely missed by all 
those who knew him. His legacy of faith and love will bless his family 
for generations to come.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Arizona.