[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 27 (Thursday, February 13, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO LYMAN THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 12, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a solemn heart that I take this 
opportunity to pay tribute to the life of Lyman Thomas, who sadly 
passed away recently at the age of 76. Lyman was a pillar of the 
Montrose community and, as his family mourns his loss, I think it is 
appropriate that we remember his life and celebrate the work he did on 
behalf of others.
  Lyman was born to Charles and Beulah Thomas on March 22, 1926. At the 
age of nine, Thomas suffered the loss of his father. As a member of 
what has been called the ``greatest generation,'' Lyman's life 
exemplifies the dedication to others embodied by many from that era. In 
1944, Lyman joined the Air Force in order to serve his country during 
WWII. Upon leaving the service, Lyman attended Colorado A&M (now CSU) 
and within a year was able to pursue a career in aviation. In June of 
1948 Lyman married Lila Whitley with whom he raised two children: Lyman 
Jr., who sadly passed away in 1983, and daughter Lennette.
  Lyman began his career with Monarch (Frontier) Airlines, eventually 
moving over to Delta, where his ability and dedication allowed him to 
assume a managerial position in the Delta Chamber of Commerce. It was 
while he held this position that Lyman and fourteen others founded Club 
20, designed to unify the voices of over 20 counties, earning it the 
nickname the ``Voice of the Western Slope.'' It was Lyman's passion for 
his community that caught the eye of two governors of Colorado. Lyman 
was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Board and later, due to the 
efforts of Club 20, to the committee charged with selecting a location 
for Interstate Highway 70. In 1953 most roads connecting Western Slope 
towns were dirt or gravel. It was Lyman's efforts on this committee, 
and the important contributions of Club 20, that were instrumental in 
the paving of local roads.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to pay tribute to the life of Lyman 
Thomas, a man whose character and impact on others is evident in the 
lives of all who have crossed his path. It is with admiration, respect 
and a sense of sadness that I recount Lyman's 76 years of life before 
this body of Congress. Although Lyman has left us, his good-natured 
spirit lives on through the lives of those he has touched. I would like 
to extend my thoughts and deepest sympathies to Lyman's family and 
friends during this difficult time.

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