[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 153 (Wednesday, November 3, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2253]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  TRIBUTE TO THE LATE FRANCIS WHITAKER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 3, 1999

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell you of a man who 
epitomizes the values and traditions that this country was built upon. 
Francis Whitaker was known nationally for his accomplishments as a 
blacksmith and locally for his contributions to the community. Though 
he is gone, he will live in the hearts of all who knew him and be 
remembered for many years by those who have heard his amazing story.
  The life accomplishments of Francis Whitaker are many. He was named a 
National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment of the Arts, the 
nation's highest traditional arts award. In 1995, he received the 
Governors Award for Excellence in the Arts as a Master Folk Artist. In 
1989, Colorado Rocky Mountain School dedicated the Blacksmithing School 
with its six forges and library to Francis Whitaker. The former 
Governor of Colorado, Roy Romer, nominated him for the 1998 National 
Living Treasure Award, for which he was one three finalists. He has 
published three books on blacksmithing and has appeared on television 
several times.
  Although his professional accomplishments will long be remembered and 
admired, most who knew him well will remember Francis Whitaker, above 
all else, as a friend. It is clear that the multitude of those who have 
come to know Francis as a friend will be worse off in his absence. 
However, Mr. Speaker, I am confident that, in spite of this profound 
loss, the students, family and friends of Francis Whitaker can take 
solace in the knowledge that each is a better person for having known 
him.

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