[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 15, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E246]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       THE PASSING OF JON DRAGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NICK J. RAHALL, II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 15, 2005

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep regret that I announce the 
loss of a true pioneer of whitewater rafting in southern West Virginia. 
Jon Dragan, dubbed the ``Father of Whitewater Rafting,'' passed away on 
Saturday at the young age of 62.
  Jon came to Fayette County West Virginia in 1964 to explore our 
wonderful rivers, the New and the Gauley. By 1968 he had opened the 
first commercial whitewater rafting company on the New River and the 
rest is history.
  It was my great pleasure to work with him in my early years as a 
Congressman to establish the New River Gorge as a National River and 
part of the National Park system in 1978. His efforts in the process 
were instrumental and the end result has been a lasting wonder for 
southern West Virginia.
  Throughout his career he continued to take part in exciting 
whitewater adventures, all while finding time to help out the 
community. He was a true public servant to West Virginia, and he leaves 
behind many people who were glad to know him, many fond memories and a 
great whitewater rafting industry.
  Whitewater rafting is a huge part of the economy in southern West 
Virginia. It is one of the many wild, wonderful things that bring 
tourists to West Virginia and the entire industry was started by Mr. 
Dragan. We owe a great debt to him for all of his hard work and he will 
forever be remembered in Fayette County and across Southern West 
Virginia.

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