[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 105 (Wednesday, July 25, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1434-E1435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


           HONORING THE LATE GLADYS ``SKEETER'' WERNER WALKER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 25, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
remember the accomplished and unforgettable life of Gladys ``Skeeter'' 
Werner Walker. She was truly a kind person and an outstanding athlete. 
As family and friends mourn her passing, I would like to pay tribute to 
this longtime resident of Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
  Skeeter was born in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, with the rest of her 
family, and was the oldest of three siblings who grew up to ski in the 
Olympics. She and her two brothers, Buddy and Loris, trained locally on 
Howelsen Hill and traveled later to ski in the Alps. The Werner 
family's prominence in the skiing world flourished to such an extent 
that the name of the ski mountain in Steamboat Springs was changed from 
Storm Mountain to Mount Werner in their honor.
  Skeeter began skiing at age one and entering competitions by the age 
of five. Perhaps one of her greatest achievements was being selected as 
the youngest member of the U.S. Alpine World Championship Team in 1954, 
at the age of 21. At the downhill event in Sweden, Skeeter placed 10th. 
Her triumph was awarded when she graced the cover of Sports Illustrated 
and became recognized as one of America's great Olympians. When Skeeter 
again returned to the Olympics in 1956 in Italy, she again garnered a 
10th place finish in the downhill race.
  Skiing was not Skeeter's only career. After retiring from skiing in 
1958, she relocated to New York where she was a model and a fashion 
designer. The Yampa Valley drew Skeeter back in 1962, and along with 
her brother Buddy and his wife Vanda, they opened two ski shops in 
Steamboat and Skeeter initiated

[[Page E1435]]

the first ski school at Storm Mountain. Every step of the way opened a 
new opportunity for Skeeter and her family that allowed them to have a 
dramatic impact on the Yampa Valley that will last forever. She fell in 
love with and, in 1969, married Doak Walker, the 1948 Heisman Trophy 
winner. Together, Doak and Skeeter helped to shape Steamboat and the 
skiing community. Doak passed away in 1998 following a skiing injury 
several months earlier.
  As you can see, Mr. Speaker, Skeeter was a person who lived an 
accomplished life. Although friends and family are profoundly saddened 
by her passing on Friday, July 20, each can take solace in the 
wonderful life that she led. At the age of 67, Skeeter was an 
outstanding member of the community and a heroic role model for others. 
I know I speak for everyone who knew Skeeter well when I say she will 
be greatly missed.

                          ____________________