[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 75 (Wednesday, May 1, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S3124]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING COLIN C. SMITH

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, with a heavy heart, I come to the floor 
of the U.S. Senate to pay my respects for the unexpected and tragic 
passing of a young Iowan earlier this year. Colin C. Smith lost his 
life at age of 37, while scuba diving in February. He had a longtime 
passion for this deep sea pursuit and was a seasoned diver. For 20 
years, he had enjoyed scuba diving in Grand Cayman and always looked 
forward to visit this special place with his family.
  During his undergraduate years, Colin served as an intern in my 
Senate office. This was just the first rung on his ladder of government 
service. He also landed a White House internship during the George W. 
Bush administration. After graduating from the University of Iowa in 
2009, Colin went on to earn his law degree from the University of 
Virginia School of Law.
  Then, Colin returned to his Hawkeye roots in 2012 and launched his 
legal career at the Nyemaster Goode Law Firm in Des Moines. Not long 
after that, he answered the call to public service and accepted the 
opportunity to serve as Legal Counsel for two chief executives for the 
State of Iowa, Governors Terry Branstad and Kim Reynolds, respectively. 
Most recently, he was a partner in the Sullivan and Ward Law Firm.
  His professional achievements matched his ambitious travel itinerary 
exploring the world. Not even a year ago, Colin had returned from a 2-
week trek to Antarctica. I am told his globetrotting bucket list 
included bringing his beloved daughter Maddie on a safari to Tanzania 
this summer and to places around the world as she grew older. May 
Colin's zeal for adventure and discovery carry on through his daughter.
  Barbara and I send our condolences to Colin's family and loved ones. 
We are grateful to call his parents Jim and Cindy Smith good friends. 
In your time of bereavement and mourning, our hearts go out to you. No 
parent ought to experience the grief of laying a child to eternal rest. 
Take comfort in the joy Colin's life brought to all who knew and loved 
him. May his memory bring you peace in the years to come.

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