Thomas Daschle: “I was recently presented with tragic news regarding the death of a unique and talented young man. Grant Koppelman, a…”

“I was recently presented with tragic news regarding the death of a unique and talented young man. Grant Koppelman, a native of Rapid City, SD, who worked in my office in 1986, was killed while traveling overseas. He was 30 years old. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family. Few individuals are blessed with the combination of intelligence, compassion, and personality that Grant possessed. With his disarming smile and quick wit, Grant could dissolve tension into humor, negating interpersonal conflict with great ease. At the same time, his ability to instantaneously analyze situations and articulate brilliant responses earned him instant respect from those who challenged him. Those skills served Grant well through his years in high school debate, his time spent working for me, his years at Harvard Law School, and his successful private practice. His professional life, however, was only a small part of this remarkable man's persona. Grant's love of knowledge and adventure continuously led him abroad.”