>HONORING A GREAT IDAHOAN

(Senate - November 15, 2005)

    Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I would like to offer a few words today recognizing the full and joyful life of a remarkable Idahoan, Robert Bershers. Although Bob and his wife Louise traveled extensively, Idaho was home. He lived and worked in Coeur d'Alene where he was active on the Kootenai County Fair Board from 1983 to 2001, and he owned and operated a successful construction business for many years. Bob lived vigorously, enjoying the life of a businessman and rancher and, according to his daughter Khris, was the kind of man ``whose idea of going to the fair was getting there on Wednesday just before it opened and staying through the last spin of the ferris wheel on Sunday.''

   North Idaho was the home of his heart--from the chilly, grey and wet winters to the warm and bright summer days in the mountains and by the lake; he and Louise never stayed away too long. But for Bob, it was Idahoans who made our State truly great. According to his family, Bob loved Idaho because people take the time to be friendly. And Bob not only loved that in others, he lived it himself, taking in those in need, either four-footed or two. Louise reminisced recently that when his children were still at home, the house had a revolving door of kids and animals, all finding refuge in their home when they needed it most.

���   Bob never failed to tell his children and family that he loved them. Indeed, his unfailing dedication to family and community are true measures of a good and honorable man. Bob will be sorely missed by all who knew him, but those same people will carry on the blessings his life brought to them.