[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 156 (Thursday, September 26, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5745-S5746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING BOB ANDERSON

 Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, today, along with Senator Tina 
Smith of Minnesota, I rise to acknowledge the passing of a longtime 
advocate, mayor, and friend, International Falls Mayor Bob Anderson, 
who died unexpectedly on September 20, 2019. Described by those who 
knew him as the ``voice and face of International Falls,'' Bob spent 
five decades in public service to the hometown and community he loved.
  A lifelong resident of International Falls and graduate of Rainy 
River Community College, Bob spent 51 years working for the local Boise 
paper mill, including 25 as the public affairs manager for the Boise 
Cascade Corporation.
  Bob was passionate about his community, and his love was reflected in 
his years of dedication to the airport, hospital, Highway 53 Task 
Force, the county, anything and everything connected to his beloved 
International Falls. He truly left his mark on his beloved hometown 
from his seats on the city council, the chamber of commerce, and as its 
devoted mayor--serving first from 1968 to 1986 and then elected again 
in 2013. And he still wasn't done; he had made clear that he was fully 
intending to seek another term next year.
  Bob was also dedicated to improving communities across Minnesota 
through decades of service on numerous statewide committees and 
advocacy organizations, including as a president of the League of 
Minnesota Cities, as a member of the Minnesota Forestry Association, 
and as chairman of our Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.
  He also chaired the International Falls-Koochiching County Airport 
Commission for over 30 years, helping to secure Federal grant money for 
the airport that serves as a major corridor between the ``icebox of the 
Nation'' and those who flock to the area to hunt, fish, and enjoy the 
beauty of northern Minnesota. Earlier this year and in large part due 
to Bob's efforts, the International Falls Airport opened a brand new 
terminal.
  The airport was just one of the many legacies Bob leaves behind. In 
the words of Representative Rob Ecklund of International Falls, ``You 
can't go anywhere in northern Minnesota without seeing his fingerprint 
on it, from airports to roads. He left a tremendous lasting imprint.''
  We are thankful we were able to work with Bob on so many of these 
projects--from economic development initiatives to youth programs--and 
will

[[Page S5746]]

always remember him as a tireless champion for small towns and the 
outdoors.
  In his final state of the city address, delivered just weeks ago, Bob 
summed up progress in his community, saying ``There is a lot of 
sunshine and a few dark clouds, but overall it's positive.'' We hope 
during this time of loss for both our State and Bob's family, his wife 
Carol, three children, and five grandchildren will take solace in 
remembering all the sunshine Bob blessed us with.

                          ____________________