[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 164 (Sunday, December 18, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2614]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING THE WORK OF RAY BECK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENNY C. HULSHOF

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Sunday, December 18, 2005

  Mr. HULSHOF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ray Beck, 
the presiding city manager of Columbia, MO, as he is retiring this 
January after 45 years of service to the city of Columbia. Ray has held 
numerous positions during his tenure with the city of Columbia, the 
most notable of which is his current post of city manager, which he has 
held since 1985.
  The second youngest of six children, Ray Beck was born in St. 
Elizabeth, MO, on November 9, 1932. After graduating from St. Elizabeth 
High School, Ray went on to earn both a bachelor's and a master's 
degree in engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Ray 
then dutifully served his country as an officer in the US. Army. He is 
also a graduate of the US. Army Field Artillery School as well as the 
US. Army Command and General Staff College.
  Ray always knew that his life would be best spent working as a public 
servant. As my colleagues here in this Chamber can attest, public 
service can be an extremely rewarding experience. This calling is the 
reason why I ran for Congress and am fortunate enough to represent the 
good people of the Ninth District of Missouri. I am saddened to see Ray 
leave this position with the city of Columbia, as he has not only been 
an invaluable resource to the city and myself, he has also become a 
good friend. His counsel and words of wisdom have certainly aided me as 
we worked collaboratively for the benefit of Columbia.
  Columbia looks a lot different today than in 1960 when Ray first 
started working for the city. Over this time span, Columbia's 
population has more than doubled to its current size of roughly 91,000 
residents. The cityscape continues to evolve as more and more families 
and businesses flock to the area. With its strong business climate, 
close-knit community, excellent public schools and ready access to 
world-class higher education, Columbia has consistently been ranked as 
one of the most desirable places to live. Ray can look back with pride 
at this progress.
  Through his official capacities as city manager, Ray has helped 
Columbia develop into the vibrant city it is today. During his tenure, 
Columbia established a city-operated waste removal program, expanded 
the local parks and recreation services, and implemented a municipally 
operated transit system as well as many other public works projects.
  Whether it was working to improve the city's sewer systems, roadways 
or public utilities, these infrastructure improvements have made 
Columbia a better place to live and work. Ray accomplished all of this 
and much more while working with 14 different mayors.
  Aside from his official duties, Ray has always been actively involved 
in the community. Through his involvement with the National Recreation 
and Parks Association, the University of Missouri-Columbia Dean's 
Engineering Advisory Council, or the Missouri Highways Engineers 
Association, Ray was always seeking additional resources or contacts 
that could assist him in his various endeavors for the city. His drive, 
however, was not only limited to work related activities. Ray should be 
commended for his good work and involvement with the MU Alumni 
Association, the United Way and the U.S. Army Retired Officers' 
Association, just to name a few.
  When Ray retires this January, I suspect he may shed a few tears--
some of joy and some of sadness. But when he looks back upon his 
career, I hope he realizes how much his work has improved the lives of 
those who make Columbia their home. And for that, I am eternally 
grateful.
  I know his new priorities will no longer focus either on housing or 
sewer systems, but spending time with his wife, Dee, his 4 children, 
his 13 grandchildren and his many friends. I only hope that on the day 
of my retirement I can look back upon a career as accomplished as his.
  Ray, I sincerely thank you for your dedication and service to 
Columbia and the State of Missouri. Congratulations on a well-deserved 
retirement.