[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 105 (Wednesday, September 8, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1565-E1566]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                PAYING TRIBUTE TO PALMER FRANKLIN SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 8, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today 
to mourn the passing of Palmer Smith of Alamosa, Colorado. Palmer 
recently died unexpectedly of a suspected pulmonary embolism. He was a 
lifelong learner and dedicated activist in his community who shared his 
knowledge with countless students. I am honored to stand before this 
body of Congress and this nation to recognize his life and 
accomplishments.
  Palmer was born in 1932 in Los Angeles, California. He attended the 
California Institute of Technology where he studied chemistry under 
five Nobel Prize winners before enlisting in the Air Force. At Lowry 
Air Force Base in Denver, he taught the top secret 1009th Special 
Weapons Project. In 1956, Palmer continued his education at the 
University of Colorado at Boulder in a mathematics masters degree 
program, despite his lack of a bachelor's degree. Palmer also taught in 
the applied mathematics program at CU for five years as he worked on a 
doctorate before he went on to teach at Nichols State College.
  In 1962, Palmer returned to Colorado to teach and chair the 
mathematics department at Adams State College where he received 
emeritus status after retiring in 1987. After teaching, Palmer became 
involved in buying and selling real estate, and ran for Alamosa County 
treasurer. He continued to take courses in law, taxes, and bonds and 
investments from the local college. Palmer was a renaissance man with a 
wide variety of interests that ranged from archaeology and history to 
stamp collecting. He was a concert pianist, an avid reader, and a 
writer.
  Palmer is survived by his wife, Erin Macgillivray Smith, his 
daughter, Laura Suzanne Smith, his son, Brian Smith, his granddaughter 
Sara Powell and two great grandchildren, Zachary and Allison Powell.

[[Page E1566]]

  Mr. Speaker, Palmer Franklin Smith was a dedicated student and 
educator that made learning a passion in his life. He was a committed 
patron of the arts and active member of his Alamosa community. I am 
honored to recognize the life of such a devoted community servant 
before this body of Congress and this nation. My thoughts and prayers 
go out to Palmer's family and friends during this time of bereavement.

                          ____________________