[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 9505]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       PASSING OF VICKI COTTRELL

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, with the untimely death of Vicki Cottrell, 
Utah's executive director of the National Alliance for the Mentally 
Ill, NAMI, a powerful and compassionate voice who spoke for those who 
suffer the effects of mental illness has been silenced. Vicki 
Cottrell's untiring efforts across Utah, in the legislature, in the 
jails and mental health courts, among community and religious leaders, 
and among families, will be difficult to replace. The passionate spirit 
and vision that she shared with her staff will continue.
  Before working for NAMI Utah, Vicki worked in computer software 
sales. But after her daughter was diagnosed with schizophrenia, Vicki 
formed her own support group for people who have loved ones with a 
mental illness. Eventually, she merged her group with NAMI Utah.
  Over the past 20 years, Vicki has worked for the National Alliance 
for the Mentally Ill's Utah affiliate. She started as a volunteer 
teaching classes and worked her way up to the executive director's 
post. Going the distance to places like Logan was common for her, and 
she took a message of advocacy around the State. Vicki's influence did 
not just reach inside Utah's borders, though. Upon hearing of her 
death, NAMI members and friends from across the country brought forth 
an outpouring of sympathy.
  Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. expressed his condolences noting that 
Vicki helped educate many about mental illness and the way new medical 
treatments help the afflicted lead very productive lives. He said, 
``She traveled throughout the Nation sharing this message of hope and 
will be greatly missed by all who knew her.''
  Vicki was a member of my Advisory Committee on Disability Issues for 
the State of Utah. She worked closely with my office and visited with 
me and my staff in both Washington and Utah to advocate for the needs 
of the mentally ill. Her strong commitment to those suffering from 
mental illness was well known throughout Utah. She provided valuable 
insights to the Advisory Committee and will be missed by all of the 
committee members.
  The love and respect so many felt for Vicki Cottrell came from her 
willingness to use her own family's struggle with schizophrenia as an 
example and turn it into something to help others cope. She worked hard 
to eliminate the stigma often attached to mental illness, and was 
tireless, energetic and motivated in her mission.
  Vicki's grace, humanity, and love touched every life she met. Her 
public life never overshadowed her deep devotion for her 6 children and 
10 grandchildren. She was a loyal friend and enjoyed close 
relationships with many. Her beautiful and well-attended garden was a 
metaphor for her life.
  I ask that my colleagues please join me in extending heartfelt 
sympathies to Vicki's family and friends. The magnitude of the loss for 
Utah and the Nation is substantial.

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