[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 142 (Tuesday, October 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2042-E2043]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               DEATH OF FORMER CONGRESSMAN JOEL PRITCHARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. NORMAN D. DICKS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 21, 1997

  Mr. DICKS. Mr. Speaker, it is my sad duty to inform my colleagues 
here in the House of Representatives that our former colleague, 
Congressman Joel Pritchard of Washington State, died 12 days ago at his 
home in Seattle. As some of you may know, he fought a valiant battle 
with cancer over the last several years, though it affected neither his 
spirits nor his work as Lieutenant Governor of Washington State.
  Joel Pritchard served here in the House from 1972 to 1984, and until 
his death he retained many of the strong friendships he developed 
during those 12 years among us. He was clearly one of those members 
whose exuberance and sense of humor left all who knew him--on both 
sides of the aisle--with a warm and positive impression. His retirement 
from Congress in 1984 was certainly a loss for this institution, and 
his death last week leaves all of his many friends with an even more 
profound sense of personal loss.
  A memorial service was conducted in Seattle last week, at which his 
family and many friends had the opportunity to reflect on the many 
happy memories of Joel and on his accomplishments in 38 years of public 
life. On Thursday, October 30 at 5:00 p.m. we will have a similar 
opportunity at a memorial service that will be held in the Veterans 
Committee hearing room, 336 of the Cannon House Office Building.
  Joel was a very special friend, and someone who represented the very 
best ideals of public service. His hallmark phase was ``it's totally 
amazing what you can do if you don't care who gets the credit,'' and he 
was known here as someone who could bring people together on any 
important issue or cause. In his own selfless way, Joel deserves great 
credit

[[Page E2043]]

for his service here and for the civility he brought to this 
institution. We will truly miss him.

                          ____________________