[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 179 (Monday, December 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1709]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN MEMORIAM: RICK LAVIS, FEBRUARY 1, 1940-NOVEMBER 26, 2016

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KYRSTEN SINEMA

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 12, 2016

  Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of 
Rick Lavis, a tireless and respected voice for Arizona agriculture.
  Rick, a native Arizonan who grew up in downtown Phoenix, was called 
to public service early in his life. He served as an aide to U.S. 
Senator Paul Fannin (R-AZ) before working at the U.S. Department of the 
Interior.
  Rick returned to Phoenix in 1980 to advocate for Arizona's cotton 
growers and the broader agricultural community. As the Arizona Cotton 
Growers Association's top staffer, Rick worked tirelessly to pass the 
Groundwater Management Act of 1980, landmark legislation that still 
governs Arizona water today. Rick served Arizona as an expert in water, 
air quality, the environment, and the cotton industry.
  Rick is survived by his wife, Marti, two sons, Danny and Ben, and two 
grandchildren, Addison and Nicholas. I was fortunate to have worked 
with Rick both during my time in the Arizona Legislature and when I 
came to Congress, and I am honored to call him a friend. I am thankful 
for Rick's dedication to service and appreciate his determination and 
willingness to make our state and country a better place for all 
Arizonans.
  Please join me in honoring his memory.

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