[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 195 (Friday, December 8, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S18298]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  THE PASSING OF THOMAS L. WASHINGTON

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, it is with great, personal sadness 
that I note the passing this Tuesday, December 5 of Thomas L. 
Washington. Tom was a personal friend, a valued supporter, a concerned 
husband and father, and a dedicated leader in his community.
  Tom was an avid and renowned sportsman. He exemplified all that is 
good about the sportsman: he was hardy and self-reliant; he also was 
frugal with and respectful of our great outdoors. Tom loved Michigan's 
wetlands and forests. He spent time in them, enjoying them and working 
to preserve them.
  Because he loved the outdoors, Tom founded and led the Michigan 
United Conservation Clubs. Indeed, he built that organization into the 
largest single State conservancy in the Nation.
  Tom was a strong, committed advocate for preserving Michigan's 
outdoors, and also the great outdoors of America and beyond, for all to 
enjoy.
  He served on the board of directors of Safari Club International and 
the National Wildlife Federation. True sportsman that he was, he was as 
concerned to preserve the environment for future generations as to 
enjoy it for himself.
  Thus he helped draft legislation creating the Michigan Natural 
Resources Trust Fund. This fund purchases prime recreational lands for 
public use with royalties from oil, gas, and mineral production on 
State lands. In 1976 Tom was appointed a charter member of the board 
that administers the fund. He served on the board until his death, 
including several terms as chairman.
  He served on a number of Michigan State committees, including the 
committee that wrote administrative rules for the Michigan Farmland and 
Open Space Preservation Act, which is central to the State's land-use 
program.
  Tom also served on the Governor's Interim Committee on Environmental 
Education, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Endangered 
Species Committee, and the Governor's Interim Committee on 
Environmental Education. And he served as vice chairman of the 
Governor's Michigan Land Inventory Committee.
  He was a recipient of the American Motors Conservation Award, Safari 
Club International's Chairman's Award, and the Miles D. Pirnie Award 
for his leadership in preserving wetlands and wetlands wildlife.
  Part of the reason for Tom's care for the environment no doubt 
stemmed from the fact that he was a family man. He cared about his wife 
and children and wanted to pass on to them the same rights and the same 
opportunities that he enjoyed.
  A hunter concerned to protect all our rights, he also fought for the 
second amendment.
  Tom was elected president of NRA's board of directors in 1994 and 
reelected in 1995. First elected to the board of directors in 1985, Tom 
served as second and then first vice president prior to being elected 
president.
  Tom worked for responsible use of our rights, working with training 
and informational programs along with second amendment defense.
  He was a fine man, whom I personally shall miss. I extend my 
condolences to the Washington family.

                          ____________________