[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14920]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   PAYING TRIBUTE TO THOMAS PETERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 8, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
pay tribute to the life and memory of Thomas Peterson of Durango, 
Colorado. Thomas passed away after a long fight with kidney disease at 
the age of fifty-nine. He proudly served our country and worked hard to 
maintain his own business. As his family and community mourn his 
passing, I think it is appropriate to recognize his life and legacy 
before this body of Congress and this nation.
   At the ripe age of ten, Thomas first began his long career as a 
Durango businessman. Preparing him to takeover, Thomas's father started 
grooming him as a young employee in the family business, Peterson 
Office Supply. In 1971, his father passed away and Thomas assumed 
control of the family business. Leaving his business legacy behind, 
Thomas's presence as a business leader and longstanding staple of the 
Durango community will be sorely missed.
   A proud citizen, Thomas served our country with honor for twenty-
three years as a member of the National Guard. He retired from service 
in 1988 as a First Sergeant. In addition to his service, he spent 
thirty-years as a committed member of the Elks Lodge. As a leader in 
the community, Thomas was a trustee for the Elks Lodge.
   Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise and recognize the life of Thomas 
Peterson today. The Durango community will remember Thomas for his big 
heart and willingness to give to others. As a loyal and trusting 
individual, he demonstrated the strengths of America's smaller 
communities. I would like to express my deepest regrets and extend my 
sympathy to the family and friends of Thomas Peterson.

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