[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 9 (Thursday, February 7, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E116-E117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO LEE BAHRYCH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 7, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to pay tribute 
today to a woman whose life is the very embodiment of kindness, 
selflessness and love. Lee Bahrych is both inspirational and 
courageous, and a true testament to the inherent greatness that resides 
in all of humanity. Throughout her life, she has consistently given her 
time, effort and love to others, and it is with a great deal of 
satisfaction and pride that I pay tribute to her as we celebrate her 
tremendous accomplishment of being named the recipient of the Colorado 
Women 2002 Power of One Award.
  Lee's long list of accomplishments is as impressive as the award 
being bestowed upon her today. The dedication and quality with which 
she has conducted herself in her distinguished career in the Colorado 
House of Representatives, as well as in the many philanthropic 
endeavors she has undertaken in her lifetime is truly remarkable. After 
retiring from the Colorado House of Representatives in order to attend 
to a loved one who had fallen ill, Lee began a much-appreciated effort 
to beautify the State Capitol. She created an attractive setting in the 
basement so that citizens could come to the State Capitol and find an 
aesthetically pleasing environment while experiencing government in 
action. This remarkably selfless act has served to enrich the 
experience of innumerable Coloradans who visit the State Capitol each 
day, and we, as Coloradans, will always be thankful for her effort.
  In addition to her efforts at the State Capitol, Lee has created one 
of the most well kept treasures in all of Colorado. She has spent 
countless volunteer hours interviewing former and current leaders of 
Colorado, capturing on tape a priceless historical account of actions 
taken on behalf of the citizens of Colorado. She has spent innumerable 
hours with former

[[Page E117]]

Governors and other political leaders from the state, recording 
humorous, sad, dramatic and moving stories that will forever be 
preserved because of Lee's hard work and passion. She is also a 
talented woodworker, having crafted numerous pieces of fine furniture; 
a white water rafter, having conquered some of the toughest rivers in 
the world; and a mother of three successful daughters. She is truly a 
remarkable woman, who has lived her life in a manner befitting her 
remarkable character and personality.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand before you today in order to bring 
the life of such an extraordinarily caring and compassionate woman to 
the attention of this body of Congress. Lee Bahrych has lived a truly 
remarkable life, and I, along with the people of Colorado whose lives 
she has so profoundly affected and enriched, are eternally grateful for 
everything she has done. I wish to offer her my sincere congratulations 
today on being named the recipient of the Colorado Women 2002 Power of 
One Award, and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

                          ____________________