[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 165 (Friday, November 19, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[[Page E2463]]
TRIBUTE TO DR. KENNETH MAURICE MATCHETT, JR.--A GREAT AMERICAN AND
FRIEND
______
HON. SCOTT McINNIS
of colorado
in the house of representatives
Thursday, November 18, 1999
Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to
ask that we pause for a moment in honor of one of the finest people
that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Dr. Kenneth Matchett, Jr.
was a dedicated family man, a hard working physician and a model
American. He gave selflessly to provide for his family and to help his
community. Tragically, Ken died in a horse riding accident while
competing in Phoenix, Arizona.
After graduating from Stanford with a degree in Biochemistry in 1963,
he attended Cornell Medical College. There he was elected to Alpha
Omega Alpha, the medical honorary society. It was not long until he
realized his true passion, Internal Medicine. During 1967-1972, he
completed his residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in
Hematology/Oncology at Duke University. Soon after that he returned to
his hometown of Grand Junction, Colorado, where he set up his own
practice.
In addition to working tirelessly in his practice, he also maintained
an active role in Saint Mary's Hospital. There Ken served as President
of the Medical Staff and as a member of the Board of Directors. As if
these accolades are not enough, he also went on to found the Oncology
Unit for the care of cancer patients at Saint Mary's Hospital. The fine
Doctor had a special reassuring warmth with his patients.
Ken is survived by his wife Sally, their three daughters, Nancy Jean,
Sarah Mary and Emily Ruth, three sons-in-law and two grandchildren. His
family was precious to him.
It is with this, Mr. Speaker, that I pay tribute to the life of Ken
Matchett. I wish that everyone could have had the pleasure of knowing
this man. He was a great American and a friend of many.
____________________