This morning, Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., gave an emotional tribute to Sen. Craig Thomas on the Senate floor. Thomas died Monday night at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., after battling leukemia.

Here are some excerpts from Enzi's speech:

"Craig Thomas was a Marine at heart, but he was a cowboy in his soul. He was quiet, he was focused, he was independent, he was hard working. He loved the Senate, and he loved the Marines and he loved his horses. The flags have been lowered and there's a great deal of sadness in our hearts today as we mourn his loss and celebrate his life. I've had a lot of thoughts, I haven't had a chance really to put them together. They come gushing back along with a lot of tears. (long pause)

For those of us from Wyoming, Craig Thomas was more than just our senator, he was our voice in the Senate and he was never one to back off from a fight, especially when he battling two things most dear: what was best for Wyoming and what was best for America. …

A few months ago Craig shared his medical situation with us. He was in for another difficult fight, but he was used to them. He's been a battler all his life. He took the fierce determination that he'd learned as a Marine and brought it to this, his latest battle against leukemia. Unfortunately it was a battle this great fighter was not to win. Although that last battle of his life was lost, there were so many victories in his life that we will long remember. Craig died as he lived, with his spurs on, fighting for Wyoming until the very end. …

For me, I'll always remember Craig's spirit, for his spirit in life was a great illustration of the spirit of Wyoming. His life became a living portrait of the American West. He saw a world from the saddle of his horse and from under the brim of his cowboy hat. He was proud of Wyoming and Wyoming was proud to be represented by him. Craig was my senior senator, he was my confidant, a mentor, but most of all he was a very good friend. Diana and I will always feel an appreciation for the fact that Craig and Susan made us a part of their family, and our prayers are with Susan and their family during these difficult times. …

Wyoming is a different place today because of this great loss of ours. There's a great sadness in the state and also a great joy as we celebrate the life of one of our special citizens. He was with us for all too short a time, but he'll never be forgotten. …

He would've liked to have been out there in those mountains and on those horses, enjoying the smells and the sounds. And now he can ride. Ride on, my friend, ride on. I yield the floor."