[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Pages 16222-16223]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING PETE CENARRUSA

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, my colleague Senator Risch joins me 
today in honoring the life of former Idaho Secretary of State Pete 
Cenarrusa. The State of Idaho lost a dear friend with the passing of 
Pete Cenarrusa.
  Pete had a unique capacity to lead people and institutions with good 
will, great humor and wise counsel. Pete was a personal friend and 
adviser to both of us, and we will forever remember the example he set 
for all public servants.
  Throughout his distinguished career, Pete was widely respected for 
his integrity, fairness, determination and dependability. He dedicated 
more than 50 years to public service, serving nearly 36 years as 
Idaho's Secretary of State and nine terms in the Idaho House of 
Representatives, three of which he served as Speaker of the House. In 
addition to his public service, Pete ran a successful sheep operation 
with his wife of 66 years, Freda. He was also a private pilot for 59 
years and was a high school teacher in Cambridge, Carey and Glenns 
Ferry, ID. Additionally, he served as a U.S. Marine Corps officer, 
aviator and instructor, which included his service as a pilot in World 
War II. Further, Pete was a strong advocate for the Basque community. 
Pete and Freda founded the Cenarrusa Foundation for Basque Culture that 
has provided resources for the promotion of the Basque culture.
  Like the many people who greatly respected him, Pete's list of 
qualities and experiences is remarkably long. Pete lived life to the 
fullest. He developed skills in a variety of fields and utilized his 
talents and principles for the betterment of Idaho. We are truly 
blessed to have known Pete and to have learned from his example of 
committed service, honesty and resolve. Pete's long and dedicated 
service to the people of Idaho will last forever. He was a beloved 
public servant, rancher, pilot, veteran, teacher, son, brother, 
husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. Our 
thoughts and prayers are with Freda, their family and all of Pete's 
friends.

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