[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 118 (Friday, August 3, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO LAKE HEALTH DISTRICT CEO GORDON ENSLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2012

  Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a long time 
community leader in the heart of Southern Oregon, Gordon Ensley.
  On June 30th, after a career in health care spanning 38 years, Gordon 
retired as Chief Executive Officer of the Lake Health District in the 
great town of Lakeview, Oregon. In 1996, after 11 years at another 
small town hospital in Gold Beach, Oregon, Gordon and his wife Pauline 
moved to Lakeview so he could serve as the Lake Health District Chief 
Financial Officer. Then in 2003, Gordon took the helm as Chief 
Executive Officer, and under his leadership the health district's local 
hospital, long term care facility, and home care and hospice programs, 
have experienced tremendous growth and improvement.
  Most of Lakeview's 3,000 residents, whether they have encountered 
Gordon as an employee, patient, colleague, or friend, are likely to 
agree about the positive impact he has made on their community. This 
included one of Gordon's crowning achievements, a 10-year project to 
expand and upgrade the hospital. Gordon and his board knew this project 
wouldn't be without its obstacles, but nevertheless began work on a 
plan to find additional finances, which included a plea to the 
community to support an $8 million bond. In 2008, voters agreed that 
improving overall patient care and access was a worthy investment, and 
approved the ballot measure to help finalize a 33,000 square foot 
expansion and upgrade to the hospital.
  Mr. Speaker, even with this achievement, Gordon still understood the 
struggles associated with providing health care to rural patients. Most 
areas within Oregon's Second Congressional District are as rural as you 
can get, and access to a health provider can be difficult. Lakeview is 
no exception, but fortunately for this community and its surrounding 
areas, Gordon embodies the dedication and vision that is necessary to 
provide quality care and improved access. All this, however, and Gordon 
will be the first to say that while working in the rural health care 
field offers its challenges, it presents even greater rewards.
  And as we develop policies in Washington, D.C., it is crucial for 
Congress to do so only after seeking the advice of on-the-ground 
experts like Gordon and those like him. Fortunately, he has always been 
more than willing to take time out of his otherwise busy days to offer 
his valuable expertise, and he has never been afraid to get in touch 
with me to express his concerns. Whether discussing pending 
legislation, burdensome federal regulations--on which Gordon has 
certainly made his position known--or even sometimes non-health related 
issues, I have greatly appreciated his expert guidance and useful 
counsel over the years.
  So as Charlie Tveit, the Lake Health District's new CEO, takes over, 
he begins on the solid foundation laid under Gordon's strong 
leadership. And while I know Gordon had reservations about leaving his 
post after so many dedicated years of doing what he knows best, I think 
all of those who know him, most notably his wife Pauline and their 
family, would agree that he has earned a well-deserved break.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Gordon's 
many years of service to his community as we wish him a long and happy 
retirement.

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