[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 19, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E919]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO KEN NESBITT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 19, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to pay 
tribute to the life and memory of Ken Nesbitt, who recently passed away 
after sustaining fatal injuries in a motorcycle crash. I personally 
knew Ken well, and he was a devoted family man, a dear friend, and a 
beloved member of his Grand Junction, Colorado community. As his family 
and community mourn his passing, I believe it is appropriate to 
recognize the life of this exceptional man, and his many contributions 
to his community and state.
  After graduating from Arizona State University in 1968, Ken served 
our nation for five years as a Navy pilot where he was selected for the 
Apollo 16 Recovery Mission. In 1973, he moved back to Grand Junction 
where he joined the family construction business that his father 
started in 1954. He took over the business in 1977 at age twenty-eight, 
and his strong leadership and business acumen saw the company grow into 
an industry leader and a vital asset to the community. Due in large 
part to personally donating land and the resources of his business, he 
made sure the Grand Junction/Mesa County Riverfront Project was 
completed, which Grand Junctionites still enjoy today. For his efforts, 
Ken received the Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award by the State of 
Colorado Parks Board, and his company received an award for Reclamation 
Project of the Year for Greenbelt.
  One of the most dedicated, hard-working, and likable people that I 
have ever known, Ken has made a lasting impact on Grand Junction and 
the State of Colorado. He helped found the Grand Junction Economic 
Partnership and was a president and board member of the Grand Junction 
Chamber of Commerce. He was a trustee on the Board of Directors for St. 
Mary's Hospital and sponsored the Winter Sports Clinic for the Vietnam 
Veterans of America in 1993. He also served on the board of numerous 
civic and business organizations, including the Colorado National Bank, 
Riverfront Commission, Mesa County Economic Development Council where 
he also served as chairman, and the Grand Junction Lions Club. Above 
all, Ken was devoted to his beloved wife JoAnn, sons Chris and Jeff, 
and daughter Ashley.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise before this body of Congress and 
this nation to pay tribute to the life and memory of Ken Nesbitt. I am 
proud to have known such a great man who enriched the lives of his 
family and community. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and 
Grand Junction community during this difficult time of bereavement. 
Ken, we will miss you.

                          ____________________