[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 102 (Monday, June 17, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4111-S4112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LAWRENCE ANDERSON PIE SOCIAL

  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the 40th 
anniversary of the Lawrence Anderson Memorial Pie Social.
  Named in honor of the event's founder, the Lawrence Anderson Memorial 
Pie Social serves as the unofficial kick-off for Laramie County and 
statewide candidates. The pie social is held biennially on the last 
Sunday in June in Pine Bluffs, WY.

[[Page S4112]]

  The pie social started in 1984 when Lawrence recognized the need for 
community members to connect directly with those who seek to represent 
them. He developed this cornerstone event as a forum for fellowship 
with friends and neighbors. As the Pine Bluffs Post notes, folks from 
`` . . . Eastern Laramie County eagerly look forward to the premier 
social event of the campaign season.''
  We all know the best way to celebrate our common goals is to share a 
meal. Lawrence took this principle to the next level, asking all who 
attend to bring a homemade pie. Lawrence was the kind of leader who 
used the lessons he learned growing up on his family's homestead to 
solve community issues. He was never afraid to do the work himself and 
was, as the Pine Bluffs Post notes, ``Known for years as one of the 
hardest workers in the Republican Party. Lawrence Anderson earned the 
nickname `Mayor of North Burns' which he held with pride.''
  Lawrence, his late wife Joanne, and the entire Anderson family, leave 
a legacy of service to Eastern Laramie County. I served with Rodney 
Pete Anderson, when he represented Wyoming House District 10 in the 
legislature. Leonard Anderson, Lawrence's brother, served as the mayor 
of Pine Bluffs.
  Although Lawrence left us in 2018, his quiet brand of leadership 
remains. We are all better for learning from his humble and patient 
spirit. He embodied the Wyoming Code of the West. From farming to 
serving on the boards for Community Action of Laramie County and 
Laramie County School District 2, Lawrence did what had to be done, was 
tough, but fair and always rode for the brand.
  Lawrence leaves behind a large family. His children are Mark Anderson 
and wife Judy; Craig Anderson and wife Gail; and Sharon Anderson--
grandchildren are Jolie Sawyer; Kelly Janes and husband David; Brett 
Anderson and wife Lori; Ryan Anderson and wife Alli; Jeremy Anderson 
and wife Rachel; Robert Anderson; and Taya Anderson; along with 
numerous great-grandchildren.
  In honor of the 40th anniversary of this iconic Wyoming event, I 
applaud the Laramie County community, this year's coordinator Mike 
Heath and the other leaders who have worked to continue this tradition. 
We are all fortunate to continue in the footsteps of Lawrence Anderson.

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