[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 179 (Tuesday, November 13, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6911-S6912]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO KATHERINE ``KAY'' BJORKLUND

  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today in celebration of Kay 
Bjorklund, Wyoming AARP's 2018 Andrus Award honoree.
  Since 2001, the Wyoming chapter of AARP continues to make a positive 
difference in the lives of senior citizens

[[Page S6912]]

and their communities, serving out their vision of ``a society in which 
all people live with dignity and purpose, and fulfill their goals and 
dreams.'' The Andrus Award, named after AARP founder Dr. Ethel Percy 
Andrus, is awarded each year to one person or couple in every State. 
This award recognizes outstanding individuals who share their 
experience, talents, and skills to enrich the lives of others.
  On November 8, 2018, the AARP of Wyoming hosted its Annual Volunteer 
Recognition Banquet in Casper, honoring Kay Bjorklund of Thermopolis. 
Kay is an ideal choice for this award. She dedicates her life to 
serving her family, friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens of 
Thermopolis and Hot Springs County.
  Kay grew up in Newcastle, WY, where she met her husband, Guy 
Bjorklund. Before they could marry, Guy left to serve our country in 
WWII as a U.S. marine. Kay eagerly waited for Guy's return. Once Guy 
was home, the two moved to Billings, MT, to marry and start a family. 
Guy began a career at JC Penney, and in 1955, a company transfer took 
the family to Thermopolis. Kay had the demanding job of full-time 
mother to their three children. Gary and Kay were active members of the 
Community Church where Kay continues to serve on the visitation 
committee.
  Once her children started school, Kay worked in banking and became 
more involved in service to others. Kay raised her family with the 
strong principal of giving back to the community. Through her own 
example, she taught her family to put others first, to ask what they 
might do to help their friends and neighbors.
  Guy continued to work for JC Penney until he was presented with the 
opportunity to open the Thermopolis Hardware store. Guy and Kay 
successfully ran the store until retirement in 1986. They sold 
Thermopolis Hardware to their daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Dennis 
Sinclair, who continue to run the business today. Retirement in 1986 
allowed Guy and Kay to do what they enjoyed doing together: serving 
others.
  Kay will tell you how important it is to stay active if you want to 
be healthy and happy. Taking her own advice to heart, Kay is an active 
member of the Kiwanis club and chamber of commerce. Every Wednesday, 
she volunteers at the hospital gift shop. Kay turns 95 next month and 
drives for Meals on Wheels, delivering dozens of meals and hugs to 
community seniors. Kay volunteers at the Pioneer Home, an assisted 
living facility and also plays bridge. She is the highest selling 
fundraiser for the PEO chapter in Thermopolis.
  Kay Bjorklund truly represents the Wyoming values of generosity and 
selflessness. She is a devoted volunteer, loving mother, and generous 
friend to all. Kay and her late husband, Guy, have three children, Gary 
and his wife Dorothy Bjorklund, Karen and her husband Dennis Sinclair, 
and Eric and his wife Terrie Bjorklund, along with eight grandchildren 
and 13 great-grandchildren. Thermopolis is blessed to have this amazing 
woman and her family call Hot Springs County home.
  It is with great honor that I recognize this exceptional Wyoming 
lady. My wife, Bobbi, joins me in extending our congratulations to Kay 
Bjorklund for receiving this special award from the AARP of Wyoming.

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