[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 118 (Friday, July 25, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1241-E1242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF MR. GAIL SHAW

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JAIME HERRERA BEUTLER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 25, 2014

  Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, Gail Shaw, a visionary, a 
scientist, a community leader, and a 64 year-long resident of Chehalis, 
Washington, died peacefully in his sleep on June 6, 2014.
   His six decade stay in his adopted hometown was not part of his 
original career plan, but before long he decided to make Chehalis home.
   When he first moved to the thick forests surrounding Lewis County in 
1950, the accomplished chemist still had his sights set on an

[[Page E1242]]

urban life up North in Seattle. That changed when a fire burned one of 
the largest local employers--the Chehalis Perma Products plant--to the 
ground.
   Instead of fleeing from the fire's widespread destruction, Shaw 
stayed in Chehalis and helped rebuild the factory and the city from the 
plant's ashes.
   With a focus on what Shaw termed ``social capital'' or what he 
described in one newspaper interview as a ``matter of people getting 
together and learning how to include your neighbor instead of 
excluding,'' Shaw collaborated with fellow Chehalis residents to 
strengthen the collaborative and economic framework of the city.
   Shaw joined efforts with--and later became chairman of--what became 
known as the Industrial Commission, and together the group brought 
development, industry, jobs, and new energy to the small logging town.
   Even though Gail Shaw disliked public recognition for his 
accomplishments; he will always be remembered for the lasting legacy he 
left in his community. His unyielding commitment to making Lewis County 
a better place to live will continue to be an inspiration for 
generations after him. I considered Gail a friend and am incredibly 
proud to say I knew him.
   Gail is survived by his wife, Carolyn; son, Lawrence; daughters, 
Cynthia, Rebecca and Catherine; nine grandchildren; and one great-
grandson.

                          ____________________