[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 93 (Thursday, July 8, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   PAYING TRIBUTE TO EDMUND CHELEWSKI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 8, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a solemn heart that I rise today 
to recognize the life and passion of Edmund Chelewski of Rifle, 
Colorado. He will be remembered as a dedicated servant to our nation 
and an innovative farmer in his community. As his family and community 
mourn his passing, I would like to take this opportunity to remember 
the life of this exceptional man.
  Edmund was born and raised in Saint Paul, Nebraska. During the Korean 
War he faithfully served in the United States Army as a member of H 
Company in the First Infantry Regiment. When he returned from the war 
he worked as a farmer in Nebraska and Colorado for over two decades. In 
1948, he married Doris Price. He and his family moved to the town of 
Rifle in 1963. His innovativeness thrived in Rifle. He was the first to 
use an irrigation system on Silt Mesa and he developed farm equipment 
that he would later patent. One piece of farm equipment that he 
designed and patented was shared with the world at the 1965 World's 
Fair. He saw an opportunity in 1972 to get out of farming and open 
Chelewski Pipe & Supply, but still remained active in cultivating 
agriculture in his garden whenever he had the time. Edmund was active 
in the community as a supporter of Future Farmers of America and as a 
member of the Bookcliff Soil Conservation District.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to the life of Edmund 
Chelewski. He will be remembered in his community for his creativity 
and inventiveness, his hard work as a farmer, and his commitment as a 
soldier. My heart goes out to his family and community during this 
difficult time of bereavement.

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