[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 35 (Tuesday, February 28, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E248-E249]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF CHARLES J. COLGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 28, 2017

  Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I, along with my colleague Representative 
Robert Wittman, rise today to honor the life of Virginia State Senator 
Charles J. Colgan, who passed away on January 3, 2017 at the age of 90. 
As the longest serving member of the Virginia Senate, he was well known 
for his bipartisan approach to serving Virginians and his constituents. 
His exemplary demeanor and

[[Page E249]]

attitude will be missed, and it was an honor to have known him. He is a 
sterling example of what it means to be an effective legislator who has 
earned the full respect of those whom he represents. He was not just a 
great representative for the Commonwealth, but he was also a genuine 
person who brought honor and integrity to everything he did. Senator 
Colgan accomplished much in his career, and he will be remembered not 
just for his legislative achievements, but also for the manner in which 
he treated those around him, with respect and decency.
  Senator Colgan adopted a service oriented mindset long before his 
time in the Virginia State House. After serving in the Army Air Forces 
during World War II, he started Colgan Air--a regional commuter airline 
based in Manassas, Virginia. Not only did this commuter airway provide 
a valuable service to Americans and Virginians, but it also helped 
create jobs and economic opportunity in Prince William County.
  After many successful years at Colgan Air, Senator Colgan was elected 
to the Virginia Senate in 1975 to represent several fast-growing areas 
of Virginia including Manassas, Manassas Park and parts of Prince 
William County. During his time in the Senate, he co-chaired the Senate 
Finance Committee, taking a particular interest in the economic and 
educational development of Prince William County and the surrounding 
area. He was instrumental in bringing Northern Virginia Community 
College Campuses to Woodbridge, as well as establishing George Mason 
University's Manassas location. Senator Colgan truly carried himself as 
a citizen-politician--a trait which today we aspire to exemplify.
  Senator Colgan lost his wife of 52 years, the former Agnes Footen, in 
2001. He remarried in 2008 and is survived by his wife of eight years, 
Carmen Alicia Bernal, of Gainesville; as well as eight children from 
his first marriage, Charles J. Colgan Jr. of Nokesville, Va., Ruth C. 
Willis of Brewerton, N.Y., Michael J. Colgan and Dot Chaplin, both of 
Gainesville, Raymond T. Colgan, Mary C. Finnigan and Patrick S. Colgan, 
all of Manassas, and Timothy C. Colgan of Warrenton, Va.; a brother, 
Robert Colgan, of Manassas; 24 grandchildren; and 22 great-
grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, we ask you to join us and countless others as we 
recognize the many contributions of Senator Charles Colgan. The 
services he provided to the Commonwealth of Virginia and to our country 
will never be forgotten, and we wish his family the best.

                          ____________________