[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E234]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO KIP LOMBARD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 25, 2004

  Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special 
tribute to one of Oregon's finest citizens and most dedicated public 
servants, the late Benjamin ``Kip'' Lombard, Jr. It is with great 
sadness that I report that Kip passed away last year at the age of 
sixty-two, though he lives on in the memories of the many people he 
touched during his life and the grateful citizens on whose behalf he 
worked so tirelessly.
  Mr. Speaker, Kip Lombard was a true son of the State of Oregon, and 
his love for his native state was evident in the many labors he 
performed for the betterment of his fellow Oregonians. Kip was blessed 
with both a keen intellect and the motivation to use his intellectual 
gifts in the service of others. He graduated with honors as a member of 
the first class of the University of Oregon Honors College, an 
institution reserved for only the most academically gifted. Knowing 
firsthand the value of a good education, Kip was a steadfast advocate 
for promoting academic excellence in Oregon. He served on the Jackson 
County Education Service District, Southern Oregon University's 
Regional Advisory Board, and as a volunteer on the Board of Directors 
of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival Association.
  Mr. Speaker, while Kip's contributions to his community and state 
were diverse, he made perhaps his greatest mark in his role as State 
Representative. Kip served faithfully in the Oregon State Legislature 
from 1977 to 1985, where he quickly gained a reputation for his 
effectiveness, conviction, personal integrity and abiding respect for 
others. When the big jobs had to be done, Kip was always there, working 
relentlessly and forsaking the limelight. He was fiercely loyal to his 
southern Oregon constituents, yet committed to making Oregon the 
greatest state in the Union. He was, in short, a true gentleman and 
statesman in the finest tradition of Oregon's greatest public leaders.
  Kip was widely respected for his thorough knowledge of Western water 
issues, both during his service in the legislature and in his law 
practice. As an attorney in private practice Kip brought the same high 
standards to his profession that he brought to the State House, and his 
clients were well served by him.
  Mr. Speaker, although Kip's life was distinguished by many impressive 
accomplishments and the recognition that attended his achievements, I 
know that as a humble man his greatest source of pride was attaining 
the rank of Eagle Scout. Many of Kip's finest qualities were learned 
and nurtured in the Scouts, and he maintained a close relationship to 
Scouting throughout his life.
  Kip Lombard's passing subtracts from the number of truly good men in 
this world, but it will be impossible for us ever to forget that Kip 
left this world a better place than he found it. Kip will always remain 
an inspiration to me, and his life's work will always represent the 
ideal of using one's God-given abilities on behalf of others.
  Mr. Speaker, Kip was a man of many distinguished titles, but he 
valued none of them more highly than the titles of husband and father. 
I know the solemn pride that his wife, Bernadette, his children, 
Christopher and Ian, and his grandson, Samuel Benjamin, must certainly 
feel. While he has left their side in this world, I hope they find 
consolation in the knowledge that his was a life extremely well lived. 
For my part, I am grateful to have called Kip Lombard my friend and to 
have been associated with a man whose tireless work will benefit the 
State of Oregon for generations.

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