[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 17 (Wednesday, February 7, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     TRIBUTE TO KENNETH W. MONFORT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 7, 2001

  Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and honor the 
life of a great American, Mr. Kenneth W. Monfort of Greeley, Colorado. 
A cattleman, philanthropist, community leader, humanitarian, devoted 
father and husband, Mr. Monfort exemplified the American dream and the 
great western spirit. Sadly, Kenny Monfort passed away on Friday, 
February 2, 2001.
  Mr. Monfort had a long and distinguished career in the cattle 
industry in which he pioneered many new processes and innovations. His 
first measure of success came at the age of 12, winning the prize of 
Grand Champion Steer at the National Western Stock Show. From there he 
used hard work, intelligence and perseverance to turn the family's 18 
head of cattle into the largest stockyard operation in the world.
  From the prosperity in his business, Mr. Monfort used his wealth to 
enrich the lives of all around him. During his childhood in the Great 
Depression, Kenny Monfort learned the value of giving back to the 
community, and in turn, has passed this lesson on to his four children. 
Through the Monfort Family Foundation and individual contributions 
totaling over $33 million have been donated to a wide variety of 
organizations in the Monfort name.
  Today Greeley, Colorado is a much better place for having had Kenny 
Monfort as a native son. One merely has to look around at the many 
landmarks bearing the Monfort name to see the impact his generosity has 
had. To the north one can see the Monfort Children's Clinic treating 
the children of low-income parents. To the west is Monfort Elementary 
where every student is taught to be a steward of the community. To the 
east is the Monfort School of Business at the University of Northern 
Colorado educating the future business leaders of tomorrow. To the 
south, new-born babies are brought into the world in the safety of the 
Monfort Birthing Center.
  Despite his tremendous success in all he did, Mr. Monfort will always 
be remembered as a modest, humble man whose legacy serves as a role 
model to those who knew him and whose lives he touched. I ask the House 
to join me in commemorating the remarkable Mr. Kenneth W. Monfort of 
Colorado.

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