[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 82 (Thursday, May 14, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E449-E450]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ARTHUR EUGENE GRIFFITH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LAUREN BOEBERT

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 14, 2026

  Ms. BOEBERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, service, 
and extraordinary legacy of Arthur Eugene Griffith, a proud Coloradan, 
devoted man of faith, accomplished engineer, champion swimmer, loving 
husband and father, and one of the most respected public servants in 
Douglas County history.
  Art passed away peacefully at his home in Aurora, Colorado, on May 1, 
2026, after a courageous six-year battle with cancer. Through every 
challenge he faced, he demonstrated remarkable strength, unwavering 
faith, and a servant's heart that inspired everyone around him.
  Born in Boulder, Colorado, on January 10, 1959, Art dedicated his 
life to his family, his faith, and serving others. He was a steadfast 
follower of Jesus Christ who sought not simply to speak about his 
faith, but to live it out every day through compassion, humility, 
kindness, and love for others. Those who knew Art understood that his 
life reflected the values he cherished most deeply.
  Above all else, Art loved his family. He was a devoted husband to his 
beloved wife Laurie for 42 wonderful years, a proud father to Kristin, 
John, Samuel, and David, and an adoring ``Papa'' to his grandchildren, 
who brought him immense joy throughout his life. Family gatherings, 
church fellowship, and time spent with loved ones were at the center of 
Art's world.
  Art also left an extraordinary and lasting mark on Colorado through 
nearly 30 years of distinguished public service as Douglas County's 
Transportation Capital Improvement Program Manager. Throughout his 
career, he led many of the county's most significant transportation 
infrastructure initiatives from early planning and design through 
construction completion, helping transform mobility and strengthen 
communities across the south Denver region.
  Art exemplified public service through his tireless advocacy, 
collaborative leadership, technical expertise, and unwavering 
commitment to the citizens of Douglas County and the State of Colorado. 
He advanced major regional transportation projects that millions of 
Coloradans rely on today, including the I-25 Gap Project from Castle 
Rock to Monument Hill, the C-470 expansion through Highlands Ranch, 
improvements along U.S. Highway 85 in northwest Douglas County, and the 
I-25 and Crystal Valley Parkway interchange in Castle Rock.
  In addition to these major regional projects, Art helped construct 
and improve countless

[[Page E450]]

roadways of countywide importance, including County Line Road, Chambers 
Road, Hilltop Road, and RidgeGate Parkway. He also championed bicycle 
and pedestrian infrastructure improvements, including the grade-
separated trail overpasses along the C-470 Trail in Highlands Ranch and 
Lone Tree, improving both safety and quality of life for families 
throughout the region.
  Art was widely respected as a trusted advisor, consensus builder, 
skilled communicator, advocate for transportation funding, and mentor 
to many both personally and professionally. His work will continue 
benefiting Colorado families and communities for generations to come.
  In recognition of his enduring contributions and legacy of service, a 
portion of U.S. Highway 85 from Mile Marker 198 through Mile Marker 201 
is being dedicated as the ``Art Griffith Memorial Highway.'' This 
designation serves as a lasting tribute not only to Art's contributions 
to transportation infrastructure and public service, but also as a 
reminder of the profound difference one dedicated public servant can 
make in the lives of countless others.
  Beyond his professional accomplishments, Art was also an 
extraordinary athlete. He earned numerous national swimming titles, 
competed as a member of the USA National Team, and was inducted into 
the University of Minnesota Hall of Fame for his achievements in the 
pool. Yet despite these remarkable accomplishments, those closest to 
him will remember him most for his humility, gentle spirit, dry sense 
of humor, integrity, and the genuine care he showed toward everyone he 
met.
  Art Griffith lived a life grounded in faith, family, service, and 
love. He leaves behind a legacy of treasured relationships and an 
example of quiet strength and grace that will continue to inspire all 
who had the privilege of knowing him.
  My prayers are with Laurie, his children and grandchildren, and all 
of Art's family and friends during this difficult time. Colorado is 
stronger, safer, and better because Art Griffith called it home, and 
his legacy will endure for generations.
  May he rest in eternal peace.

                          ____________________