[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 115 (Wednesday, September 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1679]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING JOAN LYNCH ON HER 80TH BIRTHDAY

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                        HON. MARILYN N. MUSGRAVE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 22, 2004

  Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, when I was in fourth grade, my family 
moved back to Galeton, Colorado. Soon after starting school, I met a 
little girl named Cynthia Lynch. We quickly became best friends, and I 
grew to love her family as my own. I have always had a special place in 
my heart for her dear mother, Joan. Today, with love and gratitude, I 
honor Joan on the occasion of her 80th birthday.
  Joan Lynch was born on October 12, 1924 in Greeley, Colorado, and is 
the third of five children. There was some confusion about her name. 
She was raised on the Colorado prairie by William and Kathryn Nelson 
who farmed northeast of Ault. In the depression and dust-bowl days of 
the 1930s, her family temporarily left the prairie to find work but did 
eventually return to the homestead her father had settled in 1915. She 
has always considered the prairie her home.
  She has always had a passion for books and learning, especially 
history. She speaks of her education in the one-room school at ``North 
Victor'' as her favorite school experience. Her sisters and she walked 
a mile and a half to and from school each day, across an open prairie. 
She later graduated from Central City Colorado High School in 1942, and 
attended the Teacher's College in Greeley.
  Joan and ``Corky'' Lynch, were married in 1946 and lived on the East 
Coast while he was stationed there in the Navy. I've seen pictures of 
them in those early days. What a goodlooking couple!
  They returned to Colorado in 1947 and farmed in the Milliken area 
before moving in 1956 to the ranch where Joan continues to live today, 
northeast of Ault, and only a few miles from the homestead where she 
grew up. As teenagers, Cindy and I would always giggle and be slightly 
embarrassed when Corky would leave for work and give Joan a big kiss on 
his way out of the house. Really, though, we loved it.
  Corky passed away in 1999 from cancer. He and Joan celebrated 53 
years together. I am so thankful I was able to go and see him before he 
passed away. I told him how much I appreciated all he and Joan had done 
for me growing up. We both cried. The older he got, the more tender-
hearted he became. He was 75 years old when he passed away.
  I love Joan and I will never forget what she has done for me. As a 
young girl, she gave me lunch money when I needed it, and she put up 
with my frequent visits to spend the night. That love and support 
helped me get through the tough times and I will always hold that love 
in my heart. The way she has lived life has been a constant inspiration 
to me and her Christian example has always been present for all of us 
to see. May God bless her today as her family and friends celebrate her 
birthday. I love her dearly and cherish her as a second mother to me. I 
am pleased to honor a precious lady on this occasion of her 80th 
birthday.

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