[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 130 (Monday, July 26, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E806]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF JOHN ANDERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 26, 2021

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise 
today to honor the life of the late John K. Anderson, of Vernon, 
Connecticut, who passed away suddenly on June 16, 2021, at the age of 
74. Known by family and close friends as Johnny, his military service, 
civic engagement, and devotion to his family and the greater Vernon 
community warrants the utmost praise and recognition.
  Born to Merrill and Isabelle Anderson of Manchester, Connecticut, 
John began his early years fanning what would become a life dedicated 
to public service. After graduating from Manchester High School in 
1965, John went on to serve in the United States Air Force as an 
Aircraft Maintenance Specialist and crew leader. He served overseas in 
Germany, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Greece before receiving an Honorable 
Discharge and returning home to Connecticut. With his return home and 
affinity for hard work, John hit the ground running and opened his own 
business. His business smarts and entrepreneurial spirit eventually led 
him into the automotive trade where he joined the team at Bolle's Motor 
Sales in Ellington, Connecticut. A natural people person--John excelled 
at the dealership and fostered strong relationships with his coworkers 
and clients. It was this ability to communicate naturally with folks 
from all walks of life that led John to dedicate the latter half of his 
life toward building a positive impact on the lives of others within 
his local community.
  From his leadership at the Water Pollution Control Authority to being 
one of Vernon's Registrar of Voters--John embarked on a path of serving 
in municipal government that set his legacy as a leader of the public 
in stone. During part of his tenure, I was the Vernon town attorney and 
had the opportunity to see up close his calm practical approach to 
solving problems. With his wealth of knowledge of the town and its 
voting operations, and dedication to public service, registrars from 
around the state would go to John with their questions. At a time when 
the integrity of our nation's elections has become subject to doubt and 
controversy, John's service in recent years was particularly valuable. 
No one questioned his performance or work--not for one moment.
  John epitomized what it meant to be a kind and caring citizen in a 
small town and always sought opportunities to engage with his 
community. John was also known for his regular penmanship of editorials 
in the local news and his nuanced perspective on civic issues that 
impacted the community.
  While we remember John as a leader in public service--we also 
remember him as a man who truly loved his family, friends, and 
neighbors--a love that drove him to enhance his community even further. 
John, like all of us, was someone who filled his life with passions and 
hobbies--two of which were baseball and golf. An avid Red Sox fan and 
great golfer, John used sports as another avenue to connect to his 
community and was a youth baseball coach and a volunteer at the annual 
Thanksgiving Day Manchester Road Race.
  Madam Speaker, it is an honor to represent constituents as honorable 
and impactful as John Anderson. While we all mourn his loss, we can at 
least find solace that his memory lives on through his surviving 
family: his children Carly, Lauren, Justin and grandchildren; sister 
Carol; brother Rick; and four grandchildren. His life will also 
continue to live on through countless others as the stoic example he 
has set has now been woven into the very fabric of the Vernon 
community. To that end, I find it fitting that we, the People's House, 
set his name and character into the Congressional Record and ask that 
the entire House join me in recognizing the life of John K. Anderson, 
never forgetting his impact on the greater Vernon community through his 
civic and military service.

                          ____________________