[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 104 (Tuesday, June 15, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4542-S4543]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 REMEMBERING KATHERINE AND ROBERT GARFF

 Mr. ROMNEY. Mr. President, today I rise to pay tribute to the 
esteemed legacy of Katherine and Bob Garff, two maveriks whose towering 
achievements in business, politics, religion, and education will 
continue to benefit Utahns for generations. The Salt Lake Chamber of 
Commerce has recognized them with the presitigious and well-earned 42nd 
Giant in our City award.

[[Page S4543]]

  Bob and Kathi's lifetime commitment to service is aspirational for 
all and worthy of the highest praise. Their community engagement 
efforts over many decades have transformed the automobile industry, 
expanded educational opportunities for young people with the Keys to 
Success and Road to Success programs, and their support to the 
University of Utah gave rise to new buildings for business education 
and athletics. Bob and Kathi's legacy is deeply woven into Utah's 
fabric of cherished values--prioritizing family, service, education, 
and the welfare of our future generations.
  The Garff family's vast impact on our State is, in part, due to their 
willingness to serve in positions of leadership and public trust. Kathi 
served as chair of the Utah State Board of Education and was a board 
member for the Utah Board of Regents. She also guided education policy 
on the University of Utah's National Advisory Council, served on the 
board of the Crimson Club, and was chair of their President's Club.
  Bob, too, donated his time to elevating health initiatives as a 
member of the American Cancer Society and Intermountain Healthcare and 
boosted Utah's athletic profile on the world stage as chairman of the 
Board of Trustees of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the 2002 
Olympic Winter Games. There, I witnessed firsthand Bob's talent for 
complex problem solving and his compassionate and ethical leadership. 
His accomplishments also include serving as chairman of the Salt Lake 
Chamber of Commerce and the Deseret Book Company, a board member of 
First Security Bank, a member of the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors 
Bureau, and the Utah Commission on Volunteers. As the former speaker of 
the House of Representatives for the State of Utah, Bob has cemented 
his legacy of consequential public service for all time.
  A celebration of Bob and Kathi Garff would be incomplete without 
highlighting the significant role of faith in their lives, including 
their shared commitment to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day 
Saints. Over the years, Bob was called to serve as bishop, president of 
the England Coventry Mission, stake president at the Univeristy of 
Utah, and president of the Bountiful Temple. May his strong faith guide 
Bob as we remember and cherish his time with us.
  Kathi and Bob's selfless contributions to the welfare of our State 
will endure through the ages, and Utahns will remember them for their 
lifetime commitment to public service. Their 5 children, 21 
grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren carry on the honorable 
tradition of their beloved Bob and Kathi Garff.

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