Sen. Jim Kastama, D-Puyallup, today issued the following statement on the death of former Majority Leader Sid Snyder:

"Sid Snyder was a mentor to many of us. He taught me to put my duty as a senator above all else, even if it meant criticism from others. He was a friend who was always willing to take time to talk about the serious and humorous sides of life. Most of all, he was authentic; what you saw was the real Sid. For years, I've been telling my children that I have had the honor to serve with only a few ‘giants.’  It is no secret that Sid is at the top of that list. I will sorely miss him.”