[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 73 (Friday, June 9, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1091]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MR. BEN F. PARMER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MARILYN N. MUSGRAVE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 9, 2006

  Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Ben F. 
Parmer. Mr. Parmer was a dear man who I admired greatly, and I am proud 
to stand before you today to honor his memory and deeds. ``Uncle Ben,'' 
as he was fondly known, was a lifelong resident of Burlington, 
Colorado, and throughout his lifetime the people of Kit Carson County 
were truly blessed to have known him.
  Ben married his lovely wife Mildred in 1937. Both he and Mildred had 
a strong faith and deep love for each other. Through hard times and 
raising children they never lost sight of their faith. Ben and Mildred 
had three beautiful children: Paul who preceded Ben in death, and his 
beautiful daughters Tony and Judy. Their devoted children were always 
extremely proud of their parents. Ben and Mildred celebrated their 50th 
wedding anniversary just a few months before Mildred's passing.
  During their marriage, Ben was a farmer, rancher, and a man of strong 
conviction. As a farmer Ben was successful, and as a rancher he was 
well known for the excellence of his white-faced Herefords. He also 
raised hogs and on occasion, sheep. Every success that Ben had from his 
family to his business dealings showed the conviction to do what was 
right and to do it right the first time.
  Ben's philanthropic efforts did not go unnoticed by his community. 
The park in the city of Burlington hosts his name and the ``Golden 
Wheat Award'' that was given in recognition for his service and 
involvement with the Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital. It is said 
that Ben spent many hours comforting the patients and sharing the Word 
of the Lord. The Kit Carson Memorial Hospital was not the only place 
that Ben was able to minister; it is quite notable that the only State 
he did not minister in was the State of Vermont.
  Ben was a man of courage and strength and admired by those around 
him. He was undaunted by doubt and his faith always prevailed. Ben F. 
Parmer was a loving husband, wonderful father, a man of incredible 
faith and integrity. He is deeply missed by his family and community. 
It was an honor to not only know him and attend his church and receive 
his teaching, but to have represented him in the U.S. Congress.

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