[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 89 (Tuesday, May 12, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2376-S2377]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING J. KIRK SULLIVAN

 Mr. CRAPO. Madam President, today I honor J. Kirk Sullivan, 
who had a long-time, distinguished career in principal Idaho industries 
and politics.
  Kirk was born and raised in Greenwood, SC. His alma mater is Clemson 
University, where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in 
Chemistry and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering. Throughout his life, 
Kirk continued to support Clemson along with other educational 
institutions, especially in Idaho. As he began his career, Kirk went to 
work for FMC Corporation in South Charleston, WV, and met his wife, 
Betty. Over their 59 years of marriage, the couple had two children, 
Hal and Kim, and three grandchildren, Matthew, Adam, and Sara. In 1965, 
Kirk and Betty moved to Pocatello. Kirk's obituary reads, ``Kirk had a 
deep love for the State of Idaho and chose to make this place his home 
for 50 years.'' After the Sullivans moved to New York for a 1-year FMC 
work opportunity, they thankfully returned to Idaho, where Kirk went to 
work in Boise for Boise Cascade Company. In 1998, Kirk retired as the 
vice president of governmental and environmental affairs, after a 28-
year career with the company.
  Kirk in no way was idle in retirement. In 1999, he cofounded 
consulting firm Veritas Advisors, and he served as chairman of the 
Idaho Republican Party from 2004-2008. In addition to his remarkable 
career, Kirk's obituary reads, ``Kirk shared his treasure and talents 
with countless non-profits, state-appointed boards, and political 
organizations. Dozens of those organizations have honored his work for 
them and those accolades will always be cherished by his children and 
grandchildren. He humbly loved knowing he was contributing to others' 
lives.''
  Kirk's passing in early April came at an especially challenging time, 
as families have had to postpone memorials in the wake of the novel 
coronavirus

[[Page S2377]]

pandemic. I extend my deep condolences and prayers to Betty, their 
family, and friends. Kirk is described in his obituary first as a 
loving husband, father, and grandfather. Additionally, Kirk was a 
pillar of Idaho industry and politics, thought-leader, and friend, who 
no doubt boosted and inspired countless budding leaders and efforts 
throughout our great State.

                          ____________________