[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 136 (Thursday, October 26, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1945]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN MEMORY OF GARY McPHERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THOMAS G. TANCREDO

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 26, 2000

  Mr. TANCREDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of 
Colorado State Representative Gary McPherson--a husband and father of 
three, a public servant, a self-made individual, and a leading citizen 
of Arapahoe County and the great State of Colorado, who recently passed 
away.
  On October 12th of this year, Colorado suffered a tragic loss with 
the passing of my friend, Gary McPherson. Gary represented State House 
District 40 for the last six years and was considered a rising star in 
Colorado's political realm. At 37 years of age, he was a respected 
lawyer as well as a distinguished lawmaker. He always had a smile on 
his face and was willing to share advise on anything from legislation 
to how well the Nebraska Cornhuskers were going to do next season. His 
legislative accomplishments run the gambit from protecting property 
rights and seeking tougher criminal sentencing to returning TABOR tax 
surpluses to Colorado taxpayers, reducing the State income tax rates, 
and bringing a special civility and decorum to the State House floor.
  Gary was the quintessential citizen legislator, he began his public 
service as a precinct leader in southeast Aurora and hosted local 
caucuses for the surrounding precincts. During this time, gained the 
respect of the community and was appointed, in 1995, to fill the 
vacancy in his local House District. Gary established himself as a 
leader in the State Legislature, becoming the chairman of the 13 member 
House Finance Committee as well as serving on the Appropriations and 
Judiciary committees.
  His honesty and forthright approach to every endeavor was highly 
valued and respected by his colleagues. His dedication to the Colorado 
Civil Air Patrol, where he participated, has led his family to ask that 
contributions be directed to them in his memory.
  Let the permanent Record of the Congress of the United States reflect 
that Gary McPherson was a gentleman of proud Scottish heritage, a 
father to three lovely daughters: Christina, Elizabeth, and Ashley, and 
loving husband of Shelley, and that he will be missed by one and all.

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