[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 29, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E51]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PAYING TRIBUTE TO HENRY SALAZAR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 29, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a solemn heart that I rise today 
to pay tribute to the passing of a great man from the state of 
Colorado. Henry Salazar passed away on December 22, 2001 after a long 
battle with Alzheimer's disease. Henry was 85 years old, and as his 
family and friends mourn his passing, I would like to draw attention to 
his good deeds and accomplishments throughout his life.
  Henry was known as a hardworking and compassionate man who valued 
education over wealth during his entire life. His eight children were 
raised with high religious morals, encouraged to receive an education, 
maintained their integrity, and served the citizens of their community. 
Seven children, fourteen grandchildren, and his dedicated and loving 
wife, Emma, survive Henry.
  Henry carried on in the family tradition as a rancher on his family's 
homestead in Los Rincones, Colorado. The homestead has been a part of 
the Salazar family since the 1850s also a pillar of the San Luis Valley 
community for over a century. Throughout his life, Henry was dedicated 
to his community and nation. He served in the army during World War II, 
attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. After the war, he worked as a 
rancher and farmer and served in the Colorado Port of Entry. His 
community efforts included preservation of local landmarks, most 
notably the preservation of the Los Cerritos Cemetery where he will be 
buried. I personally met and spoke to Henry on a number of occasions, 
including a little over a year ago when Henry spoke at the kick-off 
ceremony to make the Great Sand Dunes a national park, an undertaking 
which was greatly appreciated by everyone in the community and in the 
state. Every time I met with him or his family I felt fortunate.
  Mr. Speaker, Henry Salazar was a great and noble man who deserves the 
recognition and praise by this body of Congress. It is always a sad 
moment when a loved one passes away from our lives. Henry Salazar was a 
loved and compassionate man who went out of his way to improve the 
lives of all those he touched. Those who remember him for his kind 
words and the good deeds will certainly mourn his passing. My heart 
goes out to his family and friends during this time of remembrance and 
bereavement. We'll miss you Henry.

                          ____________________