[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 17494]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING HELEN McKINNEY

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, today I honor the life of Helen 
McKinney. I join with her family and many friends in mourning her 
passing. Helen has been a great source of support and encouragement to 
me and many others. The peace of mind that Helen provided me and others 
is immeasurable. Helen took on challenges with good humor and cheer. 
Helen had passion and strength that far exceeded her physical presence. 
Her energy and enthusiasm were inspiring. She was a steadfast, giving, 
driven, kindhearted, and focused leader. She was very firm but tactful.
  Throughout her life, Helen was a hard worker. She has rightly been 
described as being able to do everything. When you look at the variety 
of jobs and tasks she took on, this could not be more accurate. In the 
1940s, she worked in the newspaper business. Helen also taught junior 
high. In the 1970s, she directed the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce. 
Helen served in the Idaho House of Representatives. She also was a 
member of the Idaho Judicial Council. Additionally, Helen is widely 
known for her efforts with the Canyon County Republican Party. Helen 
served as regional chair. She also served as a national convention 
delegate and State and precinct committeewoman. Her great service and 
hard work have been recognized through her induction into the Idaho 
Republican Party's Hall of Fame.
  No matter the task, Helen did her work very well. She was 
straightforward, diligent, and determined. Helen had an abundance of 
light and intelligence of hope in her eyes. She was serious and paid 
attention to details. However, she never lost her sense of humor, and 
her positive outlook dominated her personality. When Helen spoke, 
people listened. She also did not hide her talents. She openly shared 
and mentored others. She was bold in defending her principles, but she 
was also gracious. Helen truly reflected Idaho values and the 
constitutional values of a land she loved so much.
  I will greatly miss Helen, and I will never forget her thoughtful 
support and genuine example.

                          ____________________