[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 64 (Thursday, May 1, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E831-E832]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO FRED FLOWER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 30, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a solemn heart that I take this 
opportunity and pay tribute to an icon of the Montrose, Colorado 
community who recently passed away. Leo Fred Flower, Jr. died at the 
age of 84 and as his family and friends mourn his loss, I think it is 
appropriate that we remember Fred for his many contributions throughout 
his life.
  Fred was a longtime civic and business leader in Montrose whose 
affiliations ranged from the Western Slope Livestock Commission to the 
Montrose Industrial Development Board. He graduated from Montrose High 
School in 1934 and began working at a grocery store, later driving a 
truck for the Montrose Flour Milling Co. and pursuing further 
education. Eventually Fred began doing office work for the flour mill 
and for a local ranch and livestock business, which he would later 
purchase.
  In 1940 Fred began a career in banking, interrupted by his service in 
the Army from 1942

[[Page E832]]

to 1946. He eventually became president of Montrose National Bank and 
Montrose Savings and Loan, and also spent a few years as a rancher. In 
1968 he bought the family business, Flower Motor Company, which his son 
now owns.
  Fred was a dedicated community leader and played an integral role in 
establishing Montrose Memorial Hospital. He established the first 
Kiwanis Club in Montrose, and served on the local school board and on 
the board of the Colorado Western College. He gave his time and efforts 
to innumerable community organizations, and was most recently involved 
in Montrose's senior center.
  Mr. Speaker it is with profound sadness that we remember the life and 
memory of Fred Flower who so deeply touched the Montrose community. As 
family and friends mourn his passing, I would like to recognize the 
wonderful life Charlie lived. He will be missed.

                          ____________________