[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 127 (Friday, October 8, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO RAY KOESTER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 6, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to 
mourn the passing of Ray Koester from Pueblo, Colorado. Ray, recently 
passed away at the age of 78 after a battling a lengthy illness. He was 
known for his energetic commitment, and straightforward personality 
that impressed everyone that he encountered. As his family and friends 
mourn this loss, I believe it is appropriate to remember Ray and pay 
tribute to him for his contributions to the State of Colorado.
  Ray earned his engineering degree in 1950 from the University of 
Denver and spent the next five decades as an engineer in the Pueblo 
community. He was extremely dedicated to all his projects and continued 
to work on them despite the limitations of his illness. Some of the 
biggest projects that he worked on included the Belmont subdivision, 
the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk, and the Levee Mural. Ray was also the 
longtime administrator and consulting engineer for the Conservancy 
District and worked with other organizations such as the HARP program, 
the Pueblo Board of Water Works, and the Colorado Outdoor Performing 
Arts Project.
  He was truly an engaged citizen who taught Sunday school for over 40 
years, and served as the chairman of the local Republican party at the 
age of 74, in addition to being active in civic organizations like the 
Salvation Army, the Lion's Club, the Kiwanis Club and the Greater 
Pueblo Chamber of Commerce.
  Mr. Speaker, we are all terribly saddened by the loss of Ray Koester, 
though take comfort in the knowledge that our grief is overshadowed 
only by the legacy of dedication that Ray has left with us. I am 
honored to pay tribute to such a devoted public servant, one who has so 
effectively served the state of Colorado. I know that many throughout 
our State who had the chance to benefit from his experience and 
dedication will miss Ray Koester. My thoughts and prayers go out to his 
family during this time of bereavement.

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