[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 100 (Wednesday, July 18, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1360]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     HONORING THE LIFE OF ED SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 18, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
honor Ed Smith as we sadly mourn his passing. Ed was a man devoted to 
his family and served a dedicated career as the Centennial football 
coach and school district administrator. Ed has been a model to us all, 
teaching us how to win, how to lose graciously, and how never to give 
in.
  Professionally, Ed was revered by his colleagues. Central coach, 
principal and teacher John Rivas told Loretta Sword, of The Pueblo 
Chieftain, ``He was the godfather of it all, you might say, and he was 
always there to help me if I had a problem or a situation I didn't have 
a handle on.'' His initiative helped ensure that the Dutch Clark 
Stadium had the financial and community support necessary to be built. 
Also, he made certain that the annual All-Star games were properly 
organized when they were in Pueblo, and that everything went smoothly 
and safely. For his success, he was named Honorary Meet Director of the 
Colorado statewide track meet he helped bring to Pueblo, and was 
honored for his work with the athletic arena for the community. Ed was 
a gifted athlete himself, and he never lost his love for competition, 
or his skill at it. When he was 91 years old, he shot a hole-in-one 
with thirty-year-old golf clubs he received as a retirement gift.
  Throughout his life, Ed received many honors and awards, including 
having his name included in the Greater Pueblo Sports Association Hall 
of Fame and the Centennial Hall of Fame. Perhaps his greatest reward 
was that, as former coach Sollie Raso attested, ``I honestly think . . 
. Ed and his wife, they were at peace with one another, their family, 
and their God.'' Indeed, Ed was a dedicated husband up until his wife, 
Margaret Boyer Smith, passed away. He also devoted himself to his two 
sons, Dr. Dean B. Smith, who preceded him in death, and Dr. E. Jim 
Smith. Ed also had sixteen grandchildren and nineteen great-
grandchildren.
  Clearly, Mr. Speaker, Ed Smith was an inspiration to his students, 
colleagues, family and friends. His dedication and devotion to all of 
his endeavors are unparalleled and should not go without recognition. I 
am proud to have this opportunity to pay tribute to such an amazing 
man, he will be greatly missed.

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