[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 5 (Monday, January 31, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E34]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         IN HONOR OF HAZEL WOLF

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JAY INSLEE

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 31, 2000

  Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of an 
exceptional environmental and social activist who recently passed, Ms. 
Hazel Wolf. Ms. Wolf, originally from Victoria, British Columbia, spent 
most of her life in Seattle, and her final years in Port Angeles. One 
daughter, five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and four great-
great grandchildren survive her.
  Ms. Wolf's commitment to the environment was strong throughout her 
101 years. As an active member of the Audubon Society for 38 years, she 
helped to establish Audubon chapters within Washington State, recruit 
new members, and fought tirelessly to protect our natural resources. 
The Hazel Wolf Wetlands on Sammamish Plateau was named in her behalf. 
She was also the recipient of a number of other conservation awards, 
including the Audubon Medal for Excellence in Environmental Achievement 
in 1977, the Washington State Department of Game's Award for services 
in protection of wildlife in 1978, and the State of Washington 
Environmental Excellence Award in 1978, and the Seattle's Spirit of 
America Award in 1999. Many in my community cheered heartily when, on 
her 98th birthday, Washington State Governor Mike Lowry declared March 
10th as ``Hazel Wolf Day.'' She understood clearly that if we do not 
act now to safeguard our precious resources, we will be responsible for 
the destruction of irreplaceable wilderness areas and wildlife 
communities.
  She was also committed to the idea of women's suffrage, social 
justice, and civil rights, and never hesitated to practice what she 
preached. Many years ago, during the era in which many public places 
were segregated, Ms. Wolf asked to swim specifically when the YWCA pool 
was set aside for African-American women. Her swim spoke volumes about 
her beliefs.
  Mr. Speaker, the recent death of Hazel Wolf has made me realize, once 
again, what an awesome responsibility we have as Members of Congress. 
Ms. Wolf's fight to protect the rights of the working poor, religious 
and ethnic minorities, and our natural resources is a fight that I am 
proud to carry forth as a United States Congressman. I know the 
thoughts and prayers of many of us in the Seattle area go out to Ms. 
Wolf's entire family. Her life was a shining example of devotion, in so 
many ways, to a better world for all of us.

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