[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 137 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1912]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        TRIBUTE TO PETER BARTON

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 16, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
pay tribute to the memory of an accomplished broadcaster, great 
musician, and loving father. Peter Barton recently passed away after a 
long fight with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of proven leadership 
and innovation. As his family mourns his loss, I would like to take 
this time to highlight his life before this body of Congress and this 
nation.
  Peter Barton rose to prominence through his business savvy and media 
industry innovations. Peter stood out because of his resourcefulness 
whether he was holding meetings while skiing down a mountain or making 
calls at 3 a.m. to discuss with a night shift manager how a show's host 
was behaving. His talent and inventiveness led him to the top of an 
array of companies, including Liberty Media Corporation, 
Telecommunications Concepts, Inc., as well as founding what later 
developed into the home shopping channel, QVC. For these impressive 
accomplishments, it is no wonder he will be inducted into the 
Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame in New York City.
  But Peter's ability in business did not outshine his other natural 
gifts. After learning to play the boogie-woogie on the piano, Peter 
went on to learn both the electric guitar and keyboard. Throughout his 
life, he crossed paths with prominent musicians, playing with the E 
Street Band's guitarist in a middle school rock band, opening for Sha 
Na Na in college, and filling in for a pianist at the Brown Palace. His 
artistic side showed up again in his paintings and sculptures he 
created and used to decorate his Colorado home.
  But the position Peter treasured most was his role as a husband and 
father. Peter's close relationship with his wife, Laura, and their 
three children, Kate, Jeffrey, and Christopher, influenced every aspect 
of his life and he often liked to credit his family as his greatest 
joy.
  Mr. Speaker, I stand today to honor Peter Barton's memory before this 
body of Congress and this nation. Peter stood out as a business and 
community leader, he took his own path to the top and did it in a 
unique way. Although Peter Barton has left us after a long battle with 
cancer, the many ways in which he changed the lives of family and 
friends and the larger community will endure.




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