[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 9 (Thursday, February 7, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E118]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO WALT WINKLER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 7, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I pay 
tribute today to Mr. Waldemar ``Walt'' Winkler, a good friend of mine 
and a good friend to all who knew and loved him. Walt was a man of 
unquestioned integrity and of unparalleled morality. He will be sorely 
missed by each and every person whose life he touched, and I am no 
exception. As his family mourns his loss, I believe it is appropriate 
to remember Walt and pay tribute to him for his contributions to his 
city, his state and his country.
  Walt, who was born on October 27, 1912, was an avid outdoorsman who 
dedicated his life to his nation and to the principles of forestry. He 
received a forestry degree from the University of Minnesota and went to 
work for the U.S. Forest Service shortly after graduating. When Pearl 
Harbor was attacked, Walt joined the Air Force and fought bravely in 
the European Theatre. After returning from the war, he went back to 
work for the U.S. Forest Service, serving in the Medicine Bow, Rio 
Grande and Black Hills national forests. In 1957, Walt took a position 
with the White River National Forest, where he served until his 
retirement in 1975.
  Walt was not only a soldier and a trusted government employee, but he 
was also a dedicated volunteer. He selflessly gave his time to the Boy 
Scouts of America, the American Red Cross, the Rotary Club, the 
American Legion and the Society of American Foresters. He was also an 
avid painter and sportsman. He is survived by his wonderful wife Jane, 
his son Waldemar Jr., brother Clyde, daughter-in-law Lisa Pedolsky and 
granddaughter Merritt.
  Mr. Speaker, we are all terribly saddened by the loss of Walt 
Winkler, but take comfort in the knowledge that our grief is 
overshadowed only by the legacy of courage, selflessness and love that 
Walt left with all of us. Walt Winkler's life is the very embodiment of 
all that makes this country great, and I am deeply honored to be able 
to bring his life to the attention of this body of Congress.

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