[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 8 (Thursday, February 3, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 3, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       TRIBUTE TO A MODEL CITIZEN

                                 ______


                        HON. MICHAEL J. KOPETSKI

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 3, 1994

  Mr. KOPETSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Salem's First 
Citizen of the Year for 1993, Mr. Larry Epping. Larry moved to Oregon 
in 1937 from Hope, ND, when his family lost their farm due to the 
Depression. Over the years he has become one of Salem's most prominent 
land developers, although his lifestyle remains unassuming. Larry's 
attorney, Dave Hilgemann, summed it up with the following words:

       I think the award is richly deserved. Here is a man who 
     gives as much or more to the community as he does to his 
     private enterprise. I have personally watched him quietly 
     help kids at the Boys and Girls Club here in Salem, kids who 
     will probably never know his name or know of the substantial 
     good he's done. Above all, he contributes his time in 
     addition to his money for the good of the community.

  Mr. Epping's impressive biography shows he graduated from college 
with honors, during World War II he survived a sinking aircraft carrier 
spending roughly 2 days on a raft in the Pacific Ocean, and in 1949 
Larry married Jeanette Hoffer. Together they raised five children--
Tracy, Randy, Dan, Shawn, and Gary. In addition, Larry is extremely 
active in the community, serving on over 35 boards, commissions, and 
volunteer agencies. Activities involve both career and family, from 
president of the Salem Home Builders Association to a founder of the 
Salem Catholic Schools Foundation. With all the time Larry has donated 
to the community, it is hard to believe he found time to develop a 
thriving business. Perhaps that is why his signs say, ``Call Larry 
Epping--Anytime.''
  Much of Salem's development over the past 37 years can be attributed 
to Larry Epping. His philosophy, a home for every family, allowed for a 
diversified, well-balanced community. Larry built affordable homes and 
made them available by offering buyers personal loans when the banks 
would not.
  On the rare opportunity when he is not working, Larry heads for the 
great outdoors. He travels the world searching for the ultimate 
challenge, and just as at home, his trips usually include a 
contribution to charity and a local museum.
  I would like to conclude with a statement from Larry's son Gary, who 
said, ``The best thing about this award is that dad never does anything 
for recognition, he just does what he thinks is right.'' That is why 
Larry Epping, as well as his family, is the epitome of a community 
leader. I am very proud to represent Salem's 1993 First Citizen of the 
Year.

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