[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 114 (Wednesday, July 10, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H4532]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE LIFE OF RICHARD HENDRICKSON
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Utah
(Mr. Moore) for 5 minutes.
Mr. MOORE of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in solemn recognition of
an incredible community leader in northern Utah and a dear lifelong
family friend, Mr. Richard Hendrickson.
Over the Fourth of July weekend, Richard and his daughter, Sally,
passed away in a tragic vehicle accident close to home in Ogden Canyon.
Richard led a 36-year career in the outdoor products space. Starting
as a welder at the age of 16 and rising to become the CEO and president
of Lifetime Products, a uniquely American success story. ``From Rags to
Richard,'' his colleagues would quip.
Not only was Richard a good friend but also a trusted adviser and
supporter of my efforts in Congress. I am most grateful he accepted a
voluntary role as a member of my Debt and Deficit Task Force based in
Ogden, Utah. He would go out of his way to provide context on trade
policy that affected American businesses. It was abundantly clear that
his main professional focus was the livelihood of his employees and
sustaining a positive culture at a very significant Utah-based company.
He will leave a void that simply cannot be filled.
Above all, Richard was a truly genuine and kind man, treating his
neighbors and his employees as his peers. In addition to his career and
community involvement, Richard was a leader in his faith, serving the
last 2 years as a stake president for the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints. His service reflected his commitment to his faith,
family, and community.
His executive counterpart mentioned to me how busy Richard's schedule
had become. They couldn't even find 2\1/2\ days to visit another
facility, yet what was he doing on a Saturday afternoon? He was taking
his kids boating.
On a more personal note, every time that my boys practice free throws
going forward or we host a backyard barbecue, we will remember Richard
and how his life's work was to build products meant to bring friends
and families together.
I take comfort alongside his family--his wife, Julie, and his
surviving children, Samuel, Lyssa, and Mollie--in knowing that Richard
continues to look after and comfort Sally, and they will all be united
again. I offer these words as a remembrance of his legacy.
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