[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12984]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING KIP YOSHIO TOKUDA

 Mrs. MURRAY. Madam President, I would like to pay tribute to a 
dedicated community leader, compassionate public servant, and advocate 
from the State of Washington, Kip Tokuda.
  I am proud to recognize Kip as the kind of civic champion who did so 
much for all of the communities he touched, especially for children and 
families in need.
  Mr. Tokuda was born in Seattle in 1946 and eventually served his home 
district in the Washington State House of Representatives from 1994 to 
2002. Through his work on behalf of his constituents and Washington 
State, he earned a reputation as a deeply principled legislator and 
respect from both sides of the aisle.
  In addition to his service as an elected official, Kip also cofounded 
the Asian Pacific Islander Community Leadership Foundation, an 
organization that empowers young people from Asian Pacific Islander 
communities to seek leadership positions in government and nonprofit 
organizations. He helped start the Japanese Cultural & Community Center 
of Washington and last year was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun 
from the Emperor of Japan for his work to build and maintain strong 
ties between the United States and Japan. Most recently, he was 
appointed to the city of Seattle's Community Police Commission, where 
he worked to create a more diverse police force.
  But most importantly, he was a dedicated father, husband, friend, and 
mentor to many.
  People respected Kip because he respected them, and even though he 
accomplished so much in his life and earned a position of influence, 
you could always count on Kip to listen.
  As a longtime Seattle resident, his kindness and passion inspired all 
who knew him.
  Kip passed away on July 13, 2013 from a heart attack at the age of 
66.
  Kip is survived by his wife Barb and their two children, Molly and 
Pei-Ming.
  He will be missed by many, but his legacy of service will live on 
through the organizations he founded and the lives he touched.
  Mr. President, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in paying 
tribute to Kip Tokuda. He lived a full life and our thoughts are with 
his loved ones at this time of great and sudden loss.

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