[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 79 (Wednesday, June 21, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1069]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO WALTER F. ``BUS'' BERGMAN HONORING HIM ON HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 21, 2000

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege and an honor to have this 
opportunity to pay tribute to one of Colorado's most distinguished 
citizens and favorite sons, Mr. Walter F. ``Bus'' Bergman, as he 
celebrates his 80th birthday. Bus has been the embodiment of service, 
success and sacrifice during his remarkably accomplished life. He 
clearly deserves the praise and recognition of this body as he, his 
friends and family celebrate his 80th birthday.
  If ever there were a person who embodied the spirit and values that 
make Colorado great, it is Bus Bergman. Born in Denver on June 11, 
1920, Bus' athletic credentials are truly unsurpassed. As a school boy 
at Denver North High School, Bus was a three sport star who propelled 
each of his respective teams to greatness. In fact, Bergman made the 
winning basket to clinch North's first state basketball championship.
  Following a prodigious high school career, Bus went on to excel as a 
student-athlete at Colorado A&M, where he earned 10 varsity letters in 
three sports. Beyond athletics, Bus excelled both academically and in 
an array of extra-curricular pursuits. He was the sophomore class 
president, a four year member of the student council, a four year 
member of Sigma Pi Epsilon, and was named to the select list of Who's 
Who in American Colleges and Universities.
  Although Bus had a range of professional athletic opportunities at 
his disposal after his great college career--including an offer from 
the Philadelphia Eagles--he chose instead to commit himself to the 
great cause of freedom during World War II, where he served with great 
valor and distinction. Bus was involved in numerous marine operations 
in the Pacific and was awarded the prestigious Bronze Star for his 
extraordinary heroism in action against enemy Japanese during the 
assault and capture of Okinawa. In 1948, he was discharged as a Captain 
and was later upgraded to the status of Major.
  Upon his return from WWII, Bus returned to Colorado A&M to pursue 
higher learning. After completing his studies, he was named the 
football and baseball coach at Fort Lewis College where he served until 
1950, when he accepted the top jobs in the football and baseball 
programs at then Mesa College. At Mesa, Bus' football teams went 102-
63-9, winning three conference championships, while his baseball teams 
were 378-201, winning twenty conference championships and finishing 
second three times at the JUCO World Series.
  While it would be impossible to list the litany of awards and 
achievements garnered during his remarkable career, it is safe to say 
that Bus has achieved beyond what most could ever dream. Throughout his 
career as a player and coach, Bus was the very symbol of greatness.
  For those who know Bus, it is clear that, above all else, Bus is a 
family man. Bus and his lovely wife Elinor Pitman were married in 1946, 
later giving birth to three children: Judy Black, Walter Bergman, Jr., 
and Jane Norton. Bus and Elinor are also the proud grandparents of six 
grandchildren. While his athletic and professional accomplishments are 
many, Bus' enduring legacy will be his family.
  As you can see, Mr. Speaker, Bus Bergman has achieved beyond measure 
in his distinguished life. He is a model citizen who represents all of 
the best that Colorado and America has to offer.
  As he celebrates his 80th birthday, Mr. Speaker, I wanted to take 
this opportunity to say thank you and congratulations on behalf of his 
family, friends, and the United States Congress. In every sense, Bus 
Bergman is a great American who deserves the praise and admiration of 
us all.

                          ____________________