[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 435]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING DON COOK

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I am saddened to report the 
passing of one of South Dakota's most exceptional public leaders, Don 
Cook.
  Don Cook was a widely respected representative, political strategist, 
and long time leader in the South Dakota Democratic Party. He was 
greatly admired by his peers for his dedication to his community and 
local concerns. A principle figure in the State party, Don served as 
State Central Committeeman and Vice Chairman, as well as a delegate to 
the Democratic National Conventions in 1992 and 2000. His tremendous 
contributions to the community and public leadership set him apart from 
other outstanding South Dakotans.
  Born in 1920, Don joined the U.S. Army in 1942 and served with 
General George Patton's Army in Europe where he was awarded the Bronze 
Star and five Battle Stars. A native of Missouri, Don moved to South 
Dakota 40 years ago, where he and his wife Maxie ran a very successful 
feed and seed business in Huron. They had two children, a daughter 
Connie and son Sid, who recently preceeded his father in death. An 
active member of the community, Don was a participating member of the 
First Presbyterian Church, the Huron Country Club, Yel Daz Shrine, 
American Legion, VFW, and the Huron Chamber of Commerce.
  Like fellow Missouri native, President Harry Truman, Don was 
described as a regular guy who did not mince words. He was a staunch 
and determined political fighter, who unselfishly lent his support to 
many local politicians. A man of action and passion, Don made things 
happen and those around him proud to know him. His influence on South 
Dakota's political development is extraordinary, and extends here to 
our Nation's capital. He was a friend and supporter of both Senator 
Daschle and myself, both as State legislators and as representatives in 
Washington, D.C.
  Through his outstanding community involvement and political activism 
the lives of countless South Dakotans were enormously enhanced. His 
work continues to inspire all those who knew him. I am proud to have 
been a friend of Don Cook. Our Nation and South Dakota are far better 
places because of his life, and while we miss him very much, the best 
way to honor his life is to emulate his commitment to public service 
and to his community.

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