[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 56 (Friday, April 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E749]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF DR. OLYN KELLY MATTHEWS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 15, 2011

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States 
Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the life of 
Dr. Olyn Kelly Matthews.
  Dr. Matthews was an integral part of the Northwest Florida community. 
For 45 years, Dr. Matthews practiced veterinary medicine in Escambia, 
Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties. He began practicing in Northwest 
Florida in 1944, when he took a job as an assistant state veterinarian. 
Dr. Matthews was born on a farm, and he dedicated his veterinary 
practice to helping farmers keep their livestock healthy and 
productive. Dr. Matthews was the veterinarian for 26 dairies and 
multiple farms throughout the area.
  Dr. Matthews was a true family man. In 1947 he married Elizabeth 
Campbell. Dr. and Mrs. Campbell immersed themselves in the lives of 
their children and their local community through church activities and 
sports.
  The impact Dr. Matthews had on the Northwest Florida community 
extended far beyond his veterinary practice. A pivotal leader in the 
local community, Dr. Matthews was elected to the Santa Rosa County 
School Board in 1966. He also served as president of the Milton Kiwanis 
Club, Milton Quarterback Club and the Northwest Florida Veterinary 
Medical Association, and he was campaign chairman of the United Way of 
Santa Rosa County for two years. In 1990, he was selected as ``Man of 
the Year'' by the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce.
  To some Dr. Olyn Matthews will be remembered as a community leader 
and to others as a dedicated doctor of veterinary medicine. To his 
family, he will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father and 
grandfather.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged 
to recognize the life of Dr. Olyn Matthews of Milton, Florida. My wife 
Vicki and I offer our prayers for his entire family. He will be truly 
missed by all of us.

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