Cord Byrd: “I saw the sun sink in the golden west No angry cloud obscured its latest ray. Around the couch on which it sank to rest…”

“I saw the sun sink in the golden west No angry cloud obscured its latest ray. Around the couch on which it sank to rest Shone all the splendor of a summer day. And long though lost to view, that radiant light Reflected from the skies, delayed the night. Thus, when a good man's life draws to a close, No doubts arise to cloud his soul with gloom, But faith triumphant on each feature glows, While benedictions fill the sacred room; And long, long do men his virtues wide proclaim And generations rise to praise his name. It is with deep sorrow--deep sorrow--that I note the passing of our colleague Senator Craig Thomas of Wyoming. He was my friend. He always passed here and I would say: How are you doing today, Cowboy? First elected to the Senate in 1994, Senator Thomas was twice reelected to the Senate by some of the widest margins in his State's history, one time reaching 75 percent of the vote. It is hard to beat that. As has already been mentioned today, he was one of the very few people from Wyoming to have represented his State in both houses of the Congress, over there and over here. Here in the Senate, I found him to be a most considerate and patient colleague. He was always willing to step aside for another Senator who sought recognition. He was a nice man, a very quiet man with a radiant smile, staying out of the spotlight, working behind the scenes, always ready to cooperate and work with others for the good of our country.”