[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 59 (Tuesday, April 24, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H2041]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              MEL WORTMAN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Washington (Mr. Dicks) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. DICKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note the passing of a 
constituent and friend of mine who was a true friend and one of the 
great leaders of the city of Bremerton, Washington.
  Mel Wortman died last month at the age of 91, and he was remembered 
this past weekend at a service in Bremerton by his family and friends 
for his wit and for his many enduring personal relationships he 
developed over decades of working at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in 
Bremerton, and during the years of service to many organizations in our 
community.
  I knew Mel for most of my life. He was a graduate of my mother's high 
school, and he always joked that he never would have graduated if she 
hadn't helped him through math class. He was also a great friend of my 
father, and they were often enjoying their favorite past time, fishing 
for trout out on Kitsap Lake. In fact, they had a secret formula that I 
was hoping Mel would have passed on to me.
  Mel served in the Navy in World War II before taking a job at the 
Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, eventually rising to be superintendent of 
Shop 31, which was the machine shop.
  Mel's personal advice to me ranged from pointers he gave me when I 
played sports with his sons, Dave and Gary, to the suggestions he 
offered when I was running for Congress, and later, as a member of the 
Defense Appropriation Subcommittee, on important things we could do to 
make the shipyard in Bremerton function better.
  Mr. Speaker, Mel Wortman was one of the remaining members of this 
Greatest Generation of Americans who selflessly served in World War II 
and then returned home to raise families and pursue their careers 
without asking for thanks.
  I think it is appropriate once again for us in the House of 
Representatives to express our thanks to those great Americans as we 
note the passing of one of their finest, Mel Wortman.
  I submit for the Record Mel Wortman's obituary as it was published in 
the Kitsap Sun, noting his wife Jane and the many members of his family 
who have lost a great patriarch.

      Obituary Published in the Kitsap SUN, Bremerton, Washington

     Melvin David Wortman
     July 4, 1920 to March 19, 2012

     Veteran
       Mel Wortman died at his home on March 19, 2012 surrounded 
     by his family. Mel did a stint in the Navy during World War 
     II and was a longtime resident who retired from PSNS after 
     working his way up to Superintendent of Shop 31. Well known 
     in Kitsap County, Mel was said to be the go-to-guy in 
     Democratic politics and he headed up numerous political 
     campaigns. Mel had a passion for sports and we're just sure 
     he and son Gary are shooting some hoops in heaven. Mel was a 
     Washington State Park Commissioner for 12 years and prided 
     himself on visiting all of the parks in his beloved state.
       Mel loved to share details of his family with anyone who 
     would listen. Jane, his patient and loving wife listened to 
     his stories and jokes for the past 72 years and continues to 
     make her home in Bremerton. The Wortman's oldest son, Dave 
     lives in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho with his wife Chrissy. Son 
     Gary, who was an NBA Scout, is deceased.
       Their daughter, Janna and her husband Bob reside in 
     Arizona, while their other son Steve and his wife Cindy live 
     in Tacoma.
       Mel was proud of his 11 Grandchildren and 16 `Greats' who 
     filled his life with tremendous joy in his later years. A 
     memorial service will be held for Mel at the Bremerton Elks 
     Lodge on April 22 at 1:00 p.m.
       Born on July 4, Mel lived a life dedicated to being a great 
     American, he made a difference in the lives of all who knew 
     him. In lieu of flowers, Jane requests that donations be made 
     to Hospice of Kitsap County at 570 Lebo Blvd. Bremerton, WA 
     98310.

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