[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 54 (Wednesday, April 13, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S2443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    REMEMBERING RUTH HUMPHREYS BROWN

 Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. President, today we recognize the 
life of Ruth Humphreys Brown, a remarkable Coloradan who dedicated 
herself to a life of service and good will and a woman who was deeply 
tied to the American West. Ruth passed away on December 30, 2010, at 
the age of 90.
  Ruth led a life full of courage and giving, and our country is 
indebted to her for her service. In 1943, at the age of 22, she 
answered our nation's call and was among the first women accepted to 
fly American military aircraft in the Women Airforce Service Pilots. As 
a young pilot stationed in Texas, her efforts prepared our bombardiers 
and ground artillery units to fight and win in World War II, and 
Congress rightfully acknowledged her heroic contributions by awarding 
her a Congressional Gold Medal in 2010.
  I knew Ruth to often work behind the scenes, but she never lacked in 
ambition. Ruth's service extended to countless projects that continue 
to improve the health and activity of Colorado's communities. She took 
part in starting the first Outward Bound Program in the country. I am 
personally grateful to Ruth for her efforts to start this program, 
having made it my career for 20 years. Coloradans and adventurers 
across the continent benefit from Outward Bound's strength in training 
leaders and building community--two ideals to which Ruth contributed 
tremendously. Her love for the outdoors, from whitewater rafting and 
picnicking to swimming and skiing, carries on through the mission of 
Outward Bound.
  Ruth gave to improve her community and never asked for the credit. 
But many agree she deserved it. One of her well-known and early 
contributions was committing the money to clear a new run on Aspen 
Mountain in 1949. Skiers have since come to love Ruthie's Run, aptly 
named after its originator, in much the same way that so many of us 
admire Ruth.
  She grew up in Denver, worked and played on her family's Wagon Wheel 
Ranch in Southern Colorado, and was fundamental in making Aspen a 
thriving mountain town and wonderful place to live. Ruth's touch 
spanned the State and never failed to reach a person or community in 
need.
  A veteran, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and mother, Ruth was a truly 
accomplished and inspirational Coloradan. Today we pause to honor her 
legacy and her welcomed contribution to Colorado's rich 
heritage.

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