[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 38 (Thursday, March 6, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S1362]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING JOHN S. WILLIAMS

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President. I am grateful for the opportunity to pay 
tribute to a truly extraordinary public servant, father, grandfather, 
and neighbor--Mr. John S. Williams. Sadly, John passed away this week 
leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service.
  John worked for an unprecedented 27\1/2\ years as the executive 
director of the Five County Association of Governments, AOG; only the 
third person to serve in that position since the association's 
inception. This association was formed to address the needs and 
challenges facing the southwest region of Utah--Beaver, Garfield, Iron, 
Kane, and Washington Counties. As the director, John set a tone of hard 
work, commitment, and a belief in the greatness of southwest Utah. He 
was comfortable not only in the director's chair--but rolling up his 
sleeves and getting the hard work done.
  He was a key figure in promoting economic development in southwest 
Utah, as well as the whole State. He helped formulate policy and 
address issues facing an increasingly expanding region including: 
infrastructure, public lands issues, population growth, and quality of 
life. The Five County AOG has a reputation throughout Utah as an 
association that makes a difference and helps forge the way, largely in 
part because of the strength of John's leadership for almost three 
decades.
  While working with John on many occasions throughout my Senate 
service I have always found him as someone who deeply cared about those 
he served, and had ideas and solutions to address the challenges facing 
a very important region of Utah. The example he set will be felt for 
generations to come; and the five counties he served are better 
prepared for the future challenges and triumphs they will face in the 
coming years.
  Elaine and I convey our deepest sympathies to John's wife Jamie, his 
five children, and many grandchildren. May our Heavenly Father bless 
them with peace and comfort at this time. The contributions and impact 
John made on his family, his community, and our State will be felt and 
appreciated for generations to come. Utah is a better State because of 
the service John rendered throughout his life and his strong advocacy 
of southwest Utah.

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