[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 59 (Monday, April 26, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E645]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO ART ISGAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN T. SALAZAR

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 26, 2010

  Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Art Isgar, 
a respected leader in his community of southwest Colorado. Arthur 
Richard Isgar died in Durango on March 17th, 2010. It was a privilege 
to know Art Isgar and his wonderful family and I offer my condolences 
to them at this time of loss.
  Art Isgar was born in Oxford, Colorado, on October 6th, 1915. One of 
seven boys, he spent his childhood in rural La Plata County. At times, 
he lived with members of the Southern Ute Tribe which was an experience 
that left him with a deep appreciation of other cultures. As a child he 
also spent time in the mining camps of the San Juan Mountains near 
Silverton and Telluride. Supporting himself from the age of 13, Art 
Isgar learned to make his way in the world by working on farms and 
delivering mail on horseback.
  In 1946 he got married to Ann Wise. They took the train from Durango 
to Silverton and returned home in time to milk the cows. Art went on to 
become a defender of the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in 
its time of need.
  With their hard work, the Isgars' ranch grew into one of the largest 
in La Plata County. Art was president of the La Plata County 
Cattlemen's Association and helped lead the fight to create the Animas-
La Plata Project. He was also instrumental in the effort to bring Fort 
Lewis College to its current site in Durango. Art Isgar was also deeply 
involved in politics working with the Democratic Party to bring the 
State convention to Durango in 1960, a convention that presidential 
hopeful John F. Kennedy attended. Art's life was a life of service to 
his family and his community.
  The legacy of Art Isgar continues in his amazing family. Art Isgar's 
son, Jim Isgar, continues the proud tradition of public service 
established by his father, serving as a State Senator and now as the 
State Director for the United States Department of Agriculture Rural 
Development.
  At the end of the day, after all of his community service, Art Isgar 
still had his feet on the ground. He was always a farmer who found his 
greatest joy out irrigating his fields. Even at the age of 93 that is 
where he could be found.
  Madam Speaker southwest Colorado has lost a great leader. I wish his 
family well in this time of loss. Art Isgar will be missed but his 
legacy will live on through his amazing family and all the lives that 
he touched in his time in southwest Colorado.

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