[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 148 (Thursday, September 29, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1402-E1403]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING RICHARD GEIGER FOR HIS LIFELONG SERVICE AND CONTRIBUTIONS 
                      TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DEREK KILMER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 2016

  Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and 
legacy of Richard Geiger, a champion for the environment. Mr. Geiger is 
widely recognized as one of the most committed advocates for the 
protection and stewardship of our natural resources in the Puget Sound 
region.
  A graduate of Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA, Rich began his 
career by serving our country in the 82nd Airborne Division as an air 
defense officer. After serving for 13 years, during which time he was 
stationed in North Korea and Germany, he continued that commitment to 
service by dedicating his civilian career to protecting the 
environment.
  First working for Mason County Public Works, and then for the last 15 
years as a district officer at the Mason Conservation District, Rich 
helped to develop a wide range of small- and large-scale efforts to 
protect natural resources. Perhaps his greatest accomplishment during 
his tenure with the Conservation District was the leadership he 
provided on the development and implementation of the Skokomish River 
Basin Ecosystem Restoration Project, a critical and comprehensive 
effort to restore the river and surrounding waters in Puget Sound that 
encompassed more than 50 different individual restoration projects.
  Mr. Speaker, Richard was not only an environmental advocate and 
steward, he was also a leader in the community. He excelled at 
fostering collaboration and consensus among diverse community 
stakeholders, including private landowners, businesses, Native American 
Tribes, and local, state, and federal agencies, to achieve common 
goals.
  Richard's lifetime of service, stewardship, care, and leadership all 
contributed to a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant community in 
Puget Sound. The contributions of Mr. Geiger embody the values that 
make our community and our country a great place to live.
  Mr. Speaker, I stand on the House floor today to honor the life of 
Mr. Geiger and to extend my condolences to those who he is survived by. 
Our lives are enhanced by having known him, and he will truly be 
missed.

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