[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 40 (Friday, April 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E523]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   PAYING TRIBUTE TO GEORGE THURSTON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 11, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I rise 
today to recognize the life and contributions of George Thurston of 
Glenwood Springs, Colorado. George peacefully left us on a Monday, 
January 11, 2002 at the age of ninety-five. George was a popular member 
of the community and was often sought by many in the community for his 
listening ear, advice, and warm smile. He was known as a man of many 
interests and his foresight into the future needs of his fellow 
Coloradans is enjoyed throughout the State today. George was a 
remarkable man and I am honored to bring forth his good deeds and 
accomplishments before this body of Congress and this nation.
  Born in Carbondale in 1906, George moved and eventually settled a few 
miles away Glenwood Springs, Colorado, where he quickly became a great 
contributor in the Western Slope community. George held many careers 
throughout his life including work for the Bureau of Land Management, 
the Forest Service, and work on Public Works projects to supply the 
state with our most valuable commodity, water. In 1940, George was 
named general manager of Holy Cross Electric Association, a local 
energy co-op that serves several surrounding communities. Because of 
his dedication and commitment to his fellow residents, George saw the 
company grow through the difficult years of World War II, and provide 
power to areas not served by the larger power companies. Among his 
greatest visions was the decision to provide several early ski slopes 
and resorts, including Aspen, with power. His good sense paid off and 
today the resorts in Vail and Snowmass owe part of their initial 
gambles to his trust and dedication to advancing his community.
  Throughout his life, George was well known throughout his community 
as a leader and dedicated patriarch of his family. Later in his life, 
George could be found in his favorite place, the Colorado outdoors, 
enjoying his time at his mountain cabin with family. He is survived by 
a loving and dedicated wife of almost forty years, Dollie, daughter 
Karen, stepson Larry, and four grandchildren and two great-
grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to pay tribute to George Thurston for 
the great strides he took in establishing himself as a valuable leader 
and visionary in the Glenwood Springs community. His dedication to 
family, friends, work, and the community certainly deserves the 
recognition of this body of Congress and a grateful nation. Although 
George has left us, his good-natured spirit lives on through the lives 
of those he touched. I would like to extend my regrets and deepest 
sympathies to George's family and friends during their time of 
bereavement and remembrance. George Thurston was a remarkable man and 
he will be greatly missed.