[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 63 (Thursday, May 16, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E823]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                             THAYNE ROBSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIM MATHESON

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 15, 2002

  Mr. MATHESON. Mr. Speaker, the State of Utah has lost one of its 
favorite sons with the sudden, untimely passing of Thayne Robson.
  In a career spanning more than four decades, Thayne Robson counseled 
governors and local government leaders, dispensing an incomparable 
blend of wit and wisdom about Utah's economic fortunes. His stature as 
the dean of an elite cadre of Utah economists is fixed in the state's 
history. He helped craft the fiscal policies of Governors Cal Rampton, 
Scott Matheson, Norman Bangerter and Mike Leavitt. Always a gentleman 
but frequently contrarian, Thayne was known to temper his colleagues' 
rosy forecasts with a word of caution and to see clear skies where 
others foresaw storm clouds. His track record was exceptional; his 
influence immeasurable.
  Thayne's word was golden--good enough, in fact, to take to the bank. 
And that's exactly what Utah officials did. His expert forecasts of 
Utah's Economic climate contributed to the sterling credit ratings 
bestowed on the State of Utah by New York rating agencies.
  Not only was Thayne a trusted economic forecaster and policy advisor, 
he was the impetus to restructuring the state's economic development 
efforts. He forecasted the decline of Utah's mining and agricultural 
sectors and encouraged government officials to diversify the state's 
economy through travel, tourism and technology. He spearheaded a move 
to strategically focus state and local economic development efforts 
within a single organization, known today as the Economic Development 
Corporation of Utah.
  Thayne's professional credentials include teacher, researcher, 
respected business economist. But he was also a great civic leader. Not 
one to live quietly in academia's cloistered halls, Thayne was active 
in local organizations and community affairs, lending his support and 
expertise to a host of favorite causes. He demonstrated extraordinary 
commitment to the betterment of the community and the state he loved so 
much.
  Thayne was a gifted communicator. He had a rare ability to translate 
complex concepts into language people could understand. Thayne's 
plainspoken interpretation of economic news was a regular feature in 
the media's broadcasts and news columns.
  Thayne was fond of saying, ``If you laid all the economists in the 
country end to end, they still couldn't reach a conclusion.'' In at 
least one instance, he was wrong. I am certain his colleagues join 
countless other Utahns and me in affirming that Thayne Robson was a man 
of great intellect, uncommon wisdom and good humor. His passing is a 
great loss. We will treasure his memory and give thanks for his 
incalculable contributions to the state of Utah.

                          ____________________