[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 13, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H2887]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN RECOGNITION OF PETER SHIPMAN, CRAFTSMAN FOR THE CAPITOL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Foxx). The Chair recognizes the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Dold) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. DOLD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Peter 
Shipman and his many accomplishments for this great institution and his 
community. He is one of the many unsung champions of this body who kept 
the House running over the course of his career.
  Peter began his career for the United States House of Representatives 
on November 1, 1979, shortly after graduating from VCU with a degree in 
arts, specializing in furniture making and design.
  Peter soon established himself as a highly regarded craftsman among a 
shop of senior cabinetmakers. As his passion and talent for his craft 
became apparent, he soon earned the role of producing more high-profile 
projects.
  Peter's drive for perfection, creativity, and attention to unique 
details were second to none. Many of his coworkers still are using his 
techniques today. From the time he became shop foreman until his 
retirement, Peter had a hand in the design of most of the pieces of 
newly constructed furniture built by the craftsmen in the Cabinet Shop. 
His hard work and dedication to his craft and to this House earned him 
the much sought-after job of shop foreman in 2001 and, indeed, manager 
of the shop in 2007.
  Upon his retirement in 2012, Peter was asked about his proudest 
accomplishments during his service here in the United States House of 
Representatives. Peter said he was ``proudest of the individuals who 
have made up the Cabinet Shop, Finishing Shop, Drapery, Upholstery and 
Carpet Shops, and my association with all past and present individuals 
who have been part of these groups. Sincerely this is my proudest 
achievement.''
  A small sample of the projects that Peter was involved with includes 
the construction of the Speaker's Chair, Madam Speaker. He also 
designed and managed the construction of the podiums that we are using 
here on the House floor, the sideboard for Speaker Gingrich, the hand-
painted hummingbird desk for Speaker Foley, and the display cabinets 
for Leader Bob Michel.
  Examples of Peter's superior talents, along with his loyalty to this 
House, will live on for many years in the Capitol and in the House 
Office Buildings. His artistic approach to furniture design added a 
special touch that few craftsmen possess. He was truly dedicated to his 
art and the talented individuals whom he mentored along the way.
  Madam Speaker, he will surely be missed by his peers who knew and 
loved him as well as by the entire House community. Peter is survived 
by his wife, Jennifer; their son, Walker; stepson, Derek; brother, 
Tourne; and sisters, Carie, Airlie, and Mellick. Our thoughts and 
prayers are with his family and his colleagues who continue his 
tradition of beautiful craftsmanship today.

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