Daniel Akaka: “I rise to offer a few words in tribute to a distinguished colleague and dear friend, Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink…”

“I rise to offer a few words in tribute to a distinguished colleague and dear friend, Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink, who passed away Saturday afternoon in Honolulu, HI. I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend and colleague, Patsy Mink, and I join our Congressional delegation, and the people of Hawaii and the Nation in extending heartfelt sympathy to John and Wendy Mink, her husband and daughter, Eugene Takemoto, her brother, and all of Patsy's extended family and her loyal staff in Washington and Hawaii. I feel a tremendous sense of loss at the untimely death of Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink. Her passing leaves a void in the House of Representatives, the Hawaii congressional delegation, and the political life of our Nation. It is difficult to put her spirit into words, but those that come immediately to mind as fitting characterizations of the woman we honor today include courageous, forthright, tenacious, gutsy, outspoken, bold, meticulous, and determined. She was my friend, a dedicated public servant for Hawaii, a strong pillar in our state's delegation, and an advocate for those in America who feel scared, small, alone, mistreated, neglected or forgotten. Patsy was a petite woman with a powerful voice and a peerless reputation as a champion for equal opportunity, civil rights, and education. She was a courageous and tenacious leader whose lifetime of public service made Hawaii a better place.”