[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 110 (Wednesday, July 23, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1566-E1567]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN MEMORY OF JUNE KEEFE OWENS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB BEAUPREZ

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 22, 2003

  Mr. BEAUPREZ. Mr. Speaker, the occasion upon which I rise tonight is 
not one I looked forward to. The duties of our office can at times 
overwhelm us, but the privileges of this floor are also humbling. And 
it is with humility that I have the honor of submitting these words in 
memory of a dear lady, the mother of a good friend, for the Record.
  Recently, the Governor of Colorado lost his mother, June Keefe Owens, 
on July 16 following a tragic stroke. While she can never be replaced, 
the warmth of her smile will never be lost.
  Mrs. Owens was born in Fargo, ND, met her husband in Minneapolis, was 
married in New Jersey, raised her family in Texas, and spent her golden 
years in Colorado. She raised five wonderful children--Mike, Mary K, 
Bill, Betsy, and Kelly--and eleven grandchildren--Brad, Jennifer, 
Matthew, Patrick, Michael, Monica, Julie, Mark, Brett, Ellen, and 
Laura.
  She was an energetic volunteer, who spent her time in Colorado 
volunteering for the Cancer League, Porter Hospital, and the Cherry 
Creek Republican Women's Association. And while I never sat down with 
her for bridge, I understand she played a mean hand.
  Looking back, I can remember many engaging conversations with Mrs. 
Owens, but it was rare when the two of us spoke alone. Everywhere she 
went, June attracted a crowd with her pleasant smile, warm words, and 
genuine kindness. I remember well her words of hope and encouragement 
during my campaign last year. In politics, we see all too often when a 
person's kindness is but fleeting. People say ``good luck'' or ``I'm 
pulling for you,'' and you just know it's mostly out of obligation to 
say something. Her kindness was much deeper--in her soul, she really 
cared about the lives of those around her, and had the ability to touch 
and warm your heart as too few are able to do.

[[Page E1567]]

  They often say that a person's legacy is what you leave behind. June 
left behind a terrific family full of life and full of love. Today one 
child is in technology, one is a homemaker, another a diplomat, one an 
educator, and one a Governor. They are each an amazing story of 
success. She was so proud of them all. And that pride was well 
returned. Never did I see her children around her without genuine and 
fond admiration for their mother.
  She was also vigilant about serving God and saved a pew every Sunday 
for her family, just in case. She would often call the Governor just to 
make sure he had been to Mass during the week. Her faith went much 
further than Sunday mornings. It was part of her every moment.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish I had more words to describe this wonderful lady, 
but they seem to fall short. I thank my colleagues for this opportunity 
to pay my respects in this special way to June Keefe Owens--the wife of 
an army officer, the mother of a Governor, a smile that will be missed.
  May she rest in eternal peace, and may comfort and strength be 
granted to those who loved and admired her so dearly.

                          ____________________