The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“REMEMBERING PAT TAKASUGI” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Senate section on pages S7697 on Nov. 17, 2011.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
REMEMBERING PAT TAKASUGI
Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, I rise to recognize a great loss suffered by the people of Idaho and the Takasugi family in particular. Last week, Idaho State Representative Pat Takasugi passed away after a 3-
year battle with cancer. During that fight he was fortunate to have the loving support of his wife Suzanne, his three children, and his parents.
When I was Governor, I had the great fortune to appoint Pat to my cabinet to serve as my director of the department of agriculture. Pat was an unwearying advocate for agriculture. He understood what farmers faced, since he was one of them. He started farming in 1977 and successfully grew his business from 32 acres to a 1,500-acre operation.
Pat served as the director of the department of agriculture for 10 years, and during that time he worked tirelessly in promoting the products grown in Idaho. In 2003, before the local food movement became popular, he instituted the Idaho Preferred brand to help consumers identify locally grown products.
He had numerous accomplishments as director that moved Idaho's agricultural industry forward. He created the Idaho Food Quality Assurance Lab, established the Seed Indemnity Fund, pushed cooperative weed management, and streamlined regulations, among others.
Pat encouraged the next generation of farmers to be involved in various agricultural boards and commissions and to become leaders in their community. Pat walked his talk, as he was a member of numerous local and national organizations, including a term as president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.
His service continued when he decided to step down as the agriculture director and run for the Idaho House of Representatives. He was handily elected in 2008 and again in 2010, and he was a strong advocate for lower taxes and less government regulations.
For those of us who knew Pat, it was not hard to see why he was so popular. He had an infectious sense of humor, great optimism about life, and truly cared about the well-being of others. It can be said that his smalltown roots had something to do with that.
Pat grew up in the Wilder, ID, area and attended schools there before graduating from Vallivue High School. He attended the local college, the College of Idaho in Caldwell, which is an outstanding educational institution.
He volunteered for the U.S. Army after graduating and served a total of 10 years in Active and Reserve Duty. Pat was promoted to the rank of captain and qualified for Airborne wings, the Ranger tab, and Special Forces Green Beret. Pat loved his country and was grateful for the opportunities he had to succeed through his own efforts and hard work.
Mr. President, while it is difficult to sum up all that Pat Takasugi did for agriculture in Idaho and the many lives he touched through his service, let me conclude by saying that he was a great American. Vicki and I extend our condolences on behalf of all Idahoans to Suzanne and all of the family for their loss.
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