[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 124 (Friday, September 21, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1694-E1695]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING JOSEPH JURKULAK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 21, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize 
a very caring and considerate individual who recently passed away. 
Joseph Jurkulak was a modest man who gave so much to the children of 
his community. Mr. Jurkulak was Glenwood Springs, Colorado's ``Secret 
Santa'' for the last nineteen years. He died in his home in Glenwood 
Springs at the age of 86.
  In 1965, Mr. Jurkulak and his wife Ann moved from Denver to Glenwood 
Springs after Joseph retired as a construction superintendent. He was a 
loving husband and father but will be remembered by most for his 
generosity to the children of his community. In the early 1980s, Joe 
joined the Toys for Tots project and began collecting and fixing used 
toys. These toys became the highlight of many children's Christmas 
celebration after they were distributed by local police departments. He 
asked the police to keep his identity anonymous so that the department 
would receive

[[Page E1695]]

credit for the gifts. For nineteen years, he made sure that not one 
child in his community went without a Christmas gift.
  Mr. Speaker, Joseph Jurkulak will certainly be missed by his family 
and community. He dedicated his retired life to bringing smiles to 
youngsters throughout Glenwood Springs. I extend my deepest regrets and 
warmest regards to Joseph's family and friends during this time of 
mourning.

                          ____________________