[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 17647]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    REMEMBERING SENATOR CRAIG THOMAS

  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, it has been said that we all have a birth 
date and a death date, with a dash in between. It is what we do with 
our dash that counts.
  Senator Craig Thomas made his count. He was a dedicated public 
servant, a vigorous advocate, a compassionate leader, a marine, a proud 
patriot. To the citizens of his beloved Wyoming and to his colleagues 
in the Senate, he was a cherished friend.
  Although my State and his are miles apart, with vastly different 
geography and history, I am struck by the similarities in the character 
of our people. Both the rugged Maine Yankee and the tough Wyoming 
cowboy are steadfast and modest. Both are determined, committed to 
doing what is right rather than what is easy. An old cowboy proverb 
says, ``The best way out of a tight spot is to go straight through 
it,'' and Craig Thomas always faced challenges head-on. I have no doubt 
that he would have been just as at home on the deck of a lobster boat 
as he was on horseback, riding the range.
  As a Senator representing a large rural State, I deeply appreciate 
Craig's devotion to preserving and enhancing a way of life that is such 
a vital part of the American spirit. His tireless work on such issues 
as agriculture, Indian affairs, natural resources, rural health care, 
and educational opportunity will help ensure a better future for people 
in small communities throughout our nation.
  The courage and integrity with which he led his life were evident 
until the very end. Although stricken with a terrible disease, Craig 
always put his Nation and his State first. There was no time for self-
pity or regret while there was still work to be done. He stayed in the 
saddle.
  Craig was a public man, but, first and foremost, he was a loving 
husband, a devoted father, and a proud grandfather. In this time of 
sorrow, I know that his wonderful family finds strength in his 
honorable legacy. Senator Craig Thomas filled his dash with service, 
courage, and commitment, with life and love. May his memory inspire us 
all to do the same.

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