[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 12 (Thursday, January 21, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S89-S90]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  REMEMBERING HENRY H.R. ``HANK'' COE

  Mr. BARRASSO. Madam President, on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, the 2021 
General Session of the Wyoming Legislature got underway. Noticeably 
absent from the first day of the session was State Senator Henry H.R. 
``Hank'' Coe. Hank had been present in Cheyenne for the first day of 
the annual legislative session for 32 consecutive years.
  In March of 2020, on the last day of the 2020 Wyoming legislative 
session, Hank announced his plan to retire. Senator Coe represented the 
people of Park County from 1988 to 2020.
  Hank was a respected and effective legislator. He earned a reputation 
for being a kind, thoughtful, persuasive legislator of great integrity.
  Hank always had a remarkable grasp of the issues facing the state and 
his home community. He could see short and long-term needs and offer 
solutions to address those needs.
  During his time in the legislature, Senator Coe served on numerous 
committees, was elected as majority floor leader, and, in 2001, served 
as president of the senate.
  For 17 years, Hank proudly served as the chair of the senate 
education committee. He was a strong proponent of local control and 
high-quality education.
  Hank showed students that through hard work and dedication to their 
studies, there was a world of opportunities within their reach. He 
understood the importance of investing in our young people, recognizing 
their achievements, and providing them with the tools needed to 
succeed.
  When I served in the Wyoming State Senate, I had the great honor of 
working with Hank Coe on one of our proudest legislative initiatives, 
the creation of the Hathaway scholarship program.
  We were able to create a scholarship fund with a $400 million 
permanent endowment. Income from the fund continues to fund 
scholarships for Wyoming high school graduates today. The Hathaway 
scholarship program allows every Wyoming student, regardless of 
economic background, to qualify for a merit-based scholarship to attend 
the University of Wyoming or any of our State's seven community 
colleges.
  Senator Coe's leadership was a driving force behind passage of this 
legislation. Thousands of Wyoming students without the resources to 
obtain a college education have benefited from this scholarship.
  Hank's contribution to public service extended far beyond Wyoming's 
capitol. He was a mentor to many in his hometown of Cody. He 
participated fully on local boards and committees. The Cody Chamber of 
Commerce, Cody Medical Foundation, Cody Yellowstone Air Service, 
Wyoming Air Service, Buffalo Bill Museum of the West, and the Park 
County Commissioners all benefited from Hank's committed service.
  When Hank retired, he released the following statement, which was 
printed in the Cody Enterprise on March 13, 2020:

       ``The Wyoming Legislature continues to be one of the most 
     effective and civil deliberate bodies in the nation. It is my 
     sincere hope that this tradition will continue and Wyoming 
     can be an example to the rest of the nation,'' said Coe. 
     ``Serving in the Senate has been a true honor and a 
     privilege. I'm eternally grateful to the people of Park 
     County who put their faith in me to represent them for so 
     many years. To my community, friends, family, fellow 
     lawmakers and the exceptional legislative staff, I say thank 
     you.''


[[Page S90]]


  Hank had a calling to serve. He took that calling and ran with it. 
His life's work has made a difference in the lives of the people in 
Park County and in every corner of our great State. History will look 
kindly upon the contributions and achievements of Hank Coe.
  Hank passed away today, January 21, 2021. He leaves behind a 
remarkable legacy, and he will be greatly missed by a grateful State. 
To Hank's entire family, especially his children and grandchildren: son 
H.R. and grandson Henry, daughter Carey Coe Johnson and husband Jeff 
and grandchildren Madeline, Jagger, and Jrakke, and daughter Bethany 
Coe Boydstun and grandchildren, Jackson, Tyler and Lily--our prayers 
and well wishes are with you.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the remarkable life of 
Hank Coe. His dedication to service will have a profound impact on our 
state for generations. Thank you Hank.
  Ms. LUMMIS. Madam President, today I am pleased to recognize Senator 
Henry ``Hank'' Coe, who has retired from the Wyoming State Senate after 
31 years of dedicated service and over 40 years of public service to 
Wyoming.
  A Cody, WY native, Senator Coe has shown his dedication and love for 
the State of Wyoming and willingness to serve its citizens. Hank was 
first elected to the Wyoming Senate in 1989 and served with distinction 
for over three decades. During his tenure in the Wyoming Senate, 
Senator Coe served as vice president of the senate from 1997 to 1998; 
senate majority floor leader from 1999 to 2000; and as president of the 
senate from 2001 to 2002.
  Senator Coe was chairman of the Travel, Recreation and Wildlife 
Committee from 1992 to 1998, where he worked to grow the tourism 
industry into one of Wyoming's largest industries. He also served on 
the Education Committee from 2003 to 2019, working to ensure that 
Wyoming's children had the tools they need to succeed. These are just a 
few of the many roles to which Senator Coe brought his passion and 
expertise, and represent a cornerstone of Wyoming public policy. Prior 
to joining the Wyoming Senate, Senator Coe served 8 years as a Park 
County commissioner, and in honor of his service, the commissioners 
have declared April 29 ``Hank Coe Day'' in Park County, WY.
  Senator Coe's service to our great State goes beyond his work as an 
elected official. He was a respected member of his community. He was a 
member of the Volunteer Fire Department, a trustee for the Buffalo Bill 
Center of the West, a member of the Wyoming Business Alliance, an 
advisor for the Regional Airport board, and much more.
  I had the honor of serving with Senator Coe during my time in the 
Wyoming Legislature. Our desks were right across the aisle from one 
another on the Senate floor, and we enjoyed playing subtle pranks on 
each other. I will also cherish many evenings at the home of his 
extraordinary mother, Peg Coe, retiring to the den of her sprawling 
home for drinks and unforgettable conversation. The Coes are a one of a 
kind but quintessential Wyoming family of the highest order.
  Senator Coe passed away today, but I have no doubt he will be an 
example for generations to come of a dedicated public servant, a model 
of humility, and a true beacon for the values Wyoming holds dear.
  Thank you, Senator Coe for your years of tireless service to Wyoming 
and for your friendship. I send your family my condolences. God bless.

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