[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 44 (Thursday, March 5, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E273]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF ATTORNEY STEVE FARBER

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 5, 2020

  Ms. DeGETTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today, along with Congressman Ed 
Perlmutter, Congressman Jason Crow, and Congressman Joe Neguse, to 
recognize the life and achievements of Steve Farber who passed away on 
Wednesday, March 4, 2020.
  Steve's life was the quintessential example of the American dream. 
Raised in North Denver, he overcame humble beginnings in order to found 
one of the city's most renowned law firms, along with the help of his 
childhood best friends Norm Brownstein and Jack Hyatt. Steve's 
influence is seen everywhere in Denver, from helping negotiate with the 
City of Denver to make Denver International Airport a hub for United 
Airlines to securing funds for major highway projects. Steve 
represented some of the city's most popular sports teams, and was the 
key influencer who secured a new stadium for the Denver Broncos.
  However, even as Steve built a successful business, he never forgot 
the importance of helping others. He supported innumerable charitable 
organizations and philanthropic work. In fact, one of his special 
causes was educating the public about the life-saving benefits of organ 
donation. Many years ago, when Mr. Farber was diagnosed with kidney 
disease that required him to undergo an organ transplant, he realized 
the devastating toll that patients faced while waiting on transplant 
lists. With the kind of single-minded grit and determination that he 
was well known for, Mr. Farber started the American Transplant 
Foundation in Denver to help save lives and support transplant patients 
and their families. A decade later, the organization is credited with 
bringing together almost 500 organ donors and recipients.
  Steve was an open and accessible friend to all. An active Democrat, 
he was an integral force in the party for years. But countless 
Republicans also called him friend. On a personal note, Steve was one 
of the first political activists to support me in my career, and has 
been a trusted friend and confidant throughout my career.
  Steve was a one-of-a-kind Denverite; everyone knew him and respected 
him. He worked alongside national leaders, local mayors, corporate 
executives and everyday citizens just the same. His friends and 
colleagues remember him as a ``legend'' and a ``giant.'' He was all 
that and more. He was a beloved husband for 48 years as well as a 
devoted father to 3 sons and grandfather to 6 precious grandchildren.
  Steve Farber's hands have left an indelible imprint on the state, and 
his legacy will live on. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his 
family, his friends and colleagues in Denver's legal community and all 
Coloradans who mourn this terrible loss.