[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 160 (Thursday, October 29, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1564]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF FORMER WASHINGTON STATE SENATOR SCOTT BARR

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 29, 2015

  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my close 
mentor and friend, former Washington State Senator Scott Barr, who 
passed away in his Colville, Washington home last week at the age of 
ninety-nine. It is especially sad that we will not be able to celebrate 
his 100th birthday at Edwall Park in August. Washington State lost a 
passionate leader, one who faithfully served his community and the 
people of Northeastern Washington.
  Before serving in the state legislature, Senator Barr grew wheat and 
raised cattle near Edwall, Washington. His experience as a farmer 
encouraged him to become more involved in his local community, 
culminating in his run for a seat in Washington's 7th Legislative 
District. In 1976, Senator Barr was elected to the Washington State 
House of Representatives where he served for seven years before being 
elected to the Washington State Senate. In the Senate, Senator Barr was 
a tireless champion for Northeastern Washington, focusing on issues 
closest to his constituents, agriculture and natural resources. It was 
often said that if three people were gathered at a meeting in the 7th 
Legislative District, Senator Barr would be one of them.
  Throughout his career, Senator Barr served as the Chairman of the 
Senate Committee on Agriculture and the Western States Legislative 
Forestry Task Force, co-chaired the Joint Select Committee on Water 
Resource Policy, and served as the Ranking Republican Member on the 
Agriculture and Ecology and the Parks committees. In December 1993, 
Senator Scott Barr announced his retirement from the Washington State 
Senate, at the age of seventy-seven. Even after his retirement, Senator 
Barr continued to be a champion for the 7th Legislative District, 
working to preserve the way of life that those in his community enjoy.
  Senator Barr served as the president of the Washington Association of 
Wheat Growers, headed up the Expo Food and Soil Association, and 
supported youth development through local 4-H programs. Senator Barr 
was also instrumental in ensuring 4-H programs continued to function 
and thrive throughout Washington State. Before running for the state 
legislature, Senator Barr was also a key advocate on behalf of the 
Lincoln County Conservation District.
  On a personal level, Scott was a friend and a role model, not only to 
me but to everyone serving in Eastern Washington and across our state. 
Scott desired to better the lives of those around him and to support 
young people in order that they may reach their full potential. Even in 
his late nineties, Scott had a contagious energy and excitement for 
life--he was committed to giving back and remained active in his 
community.
  I rise to thank Senator Scott Barr for his years of service to 
Northeastern Washington. He leaves behind a legacy in leadership and 
devotion to his community and will be remembered for his commitment to 
issues close to the hearts of the people of Washington State. My 
thoughts and prayers remain with his wife, Dollie Mae, his children, 
and other family members and friends. Washington State lost a truly 
dedicated and passionate leader. He will be missed.

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