[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 154 (Thursday, November 8, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2049]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO JOHN CONWAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 8, 2001

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a solemn heart that I like to 
take this opportunity to pay tribute to one of the true pioneers in 
Colorado's ski industry. Mr. John Conway recently passed away from 
natural causes at the age of 84, and as his friends and family mourn 
his passing, it is only appropriate that we thank John for his 
contributions to the Vail area and the State of Colorado.
  Mr. Conway was a major figure in the creation of the Vail ski area. 
He began by serving as a real estate appraiser in the 1950's. As the 
idea for creating the ski area that is now Vail took shape, John began 
finding land suitable for the resort.
  John was tasked with the responsibility to personally convince 
ranchers and farmers of the need for a ski resort in the area. Working 
side-by-side with the landowners, John convinced the different owners 
to sell their land to the corporation that came to be known as Vail 
Associates. The steps that John took to put together the foundation for 
Vail ski area was a necessary step to making Vail ski area one of the 
premier ski destinations in the nation and the world.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that we remember John 
Conway. His vision, dedication and service to the resort industry has 
allowed Vail to become a popular and successful ski area in the State 
of Colorado.