[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23708]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                        HONORING GARY McPHERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 18, 2000

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with immense sadness that I take this 
moment to celebrate the life of Colorado State Representative Gary 
McPherson. Gary tragically passed away at age 37. For the past six 
years, Gary served the State of Colorado with great distinction as a 
Member of the Colorado State House of Representatives. As family, 
friends, and colleagues mourn this sudden and terrible loss, I would 
like to pay tribute to this statesman and friend.
  Gary was born in Auburn, Washington, but attended school at Platte 
Valley Academy in Nebraska, graduating in 1981. He went on to Union 
College where his thirst for knowledge earned him a degree in business 
administration, as well as minors in history, psychology, social 
science and sociology. Gary then went on to earn his law degree at the 
University of Nebraska in 1988.
  After law school, Gary moved on to what would become a highly 
successful career. His time as a lawyer saw him practicing for a number 
of different law firms, including Hall & Evans, Elrod, Katz, Preco & 
Look P.C., Fortune & Lawritson P.C., and most recently Kissinger & 
Fellman P.C.
  In addition to his many accomplishments as a lawyer, Gary also served 
in the Colorado Legislature with great distinction. As a legislator, 
Representative McPherson fought hard on a range of issues important to 
Colorado's future. During his tenure in the legislature, Gary served as 
member of the Appropriations and Judicial committees as well as 
Chairman of the House Finance Committee.
  Before serving in the Colorado State Legislature, Representative 
McPherson was a member of numerous organizations promoting the health 
and vitality of his community and all of Colorado. He served as 
president and board member of Jackson Farms Homeowners Association, 
director of the Attorney/Physician Suspension Alternative Project, 
chairman of the ABA Prelaw Couseling Committee, board member and 
legislative liaison for the Colorado Bar Association Military Law 
Commission, and vice chairman and board member of Arapahoe County Park 
and Recreation District.
  Giving back to his community was a priority for Representative 
McPherson and his hard work and determination earned him a number of 
awards. His honors include Colorado Bar Association's Outstanding Young 
Lawyer, Aurora Public Schools Superintendent's Award, International 
Academy of Trial Lawyer's Award, and CACI Legislator of the Year 1995.
  Gary was an incredible human being, a loving and devoted father, 
husband, and friend. His compassion for others and commitment to his 
community will not soon be forgotten. Gary served his community, State, 
and Nation admirably. This statesman, family man, and friend will be 
greatly missed.

                          ____________________