[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 103 (Thursday, September 7, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1421]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING HAROLD WESTESEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 7, 2000

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to honor a 
remarkable gentleman, Harold Westesen, of Olathe, Colorado. Mr. 
Westesen was recently honored by Mayor Bill Patterson of the Montrose 
Rotary Club who declared an official ``Harold Westesen Day'' in Olathe. 
Mr. Westesen's contributions to the citizens of western Colorado are 
great in number and deserve the recognition of Congress.
  Mr. Westesen came from a family where education and hard work were 
part of everyday life. Throughout his life, he has exemplified these 
characteristics, earning two degrees from major institutions: a Physics 
and an Electrical Engineering degree from Colorado College and Purdue 
University, respectively. After finding competition in these fields 
unseemly, Harold moved to farming in the 1930's where he remained for 
the next 40 years.
  Mr. Westesen always worked hard to make a living, but he also found 
time to give back to his community. Such public works as the Ridgeway 
Dam would not have been possible if it hadn't been for his 
participation. What's more, he spent over 25 years on the Montrose 
Memorial Hospital Board improving the health services of his community. 
He also spent nearly ten years as president of the Tri-County Water 
Conservancy District Board, making sure that farmers of western 
Colorado received the much needed water they deserved.
  Mr. Westesen has worked hard not only for his family but also his 
community. His efforts to improve the health care and water issues have 
made western Colorado a better place to live. Mr. Westesen has gone out 
of his way to make where he lives a better place for all. It is with 
this, Mr. Speaker, that I say thank you to Harold Westesen and 
congratulate him on having a day named in his honor.

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