[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 97 (Wednesday, July 14, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1368]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 PAYING TRIBUTE TO JOHN WILLIAM SOMRAK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 13, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to pay 
tribute to the life and memory of John William Somrak of Gunnison, 
Colorado. ``Johnny,'' as he was affectionately known, recently passed 
away, and he will be remembered as a pillar of his community. As his 
family and community mourn his passing, I would like to take this 
opportunity to recognize his life before this body of Congress and this 
nation.
  Johnny was born and raised in Crested Butte, Colorado. After losing 
his father at a young age, he went to work for Colorado Fuel and Iron's 
Big Mine when he turned seventeen to help support his family. This 
responsibility taught him a strong work ethic early in his life. 
Harry's personal loss of his father to a mining accident inspired him 
to become active in workplace safety at the mine, and join a team to 
compete in Colorado's Industrial First Aid and Accident Prevention 
competitions. When the coalmines closed he went on to work as a Forest 
Service technician, a job that required him to be a man of many 
talents. He did everything from providing the necessary maintenance of 
campgrounds to acting as a supervisor for the summer work crews.
  A devoted family man, Johnny was married to Frances Starkovich, for 
over fifty years. In his free time, he enjoyed dancing with his wife 
and cultivating flowers in his garden. In addition to those passions, 
his love for skiing kept him active throughout the winter.
  Mr. Speaker, the Gunnison community will sorely miss John Somrak. He 
will be remembered as a dedicated worker and committed family man. I 
wish to express my deepest condolences to Johnny's family and friends 
in this difficult time of bereavement.

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