[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 24098-24099]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   PAYING TRIBUTE TO BERNARD E. KERST

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a sad heart that I rise to 
recognize the passing of Bernard Kerst, a great man from my district. 
Bernard spent most of his 87 years living in Yuma, Colorado, and during 
that time he made a significant impact on the life of countless 
individuals and his county. I am honored

[[Page 24099]]

today to bring his contributions to the attention of this body of 
Congress and this Nation.
  Bernard Kerst was born on July 9, 1917. When the Great Depression 
swept the country, he left high school and got a job to support himself 
and his family. He started a trucking business in his twenties and then 
built Victory Ships in Oregon during World War II. Afterward, he moved 
back to eastern Colorado, married DeVonna Gregory, and began farming 
and ranching. Being an avid conservationist, Bernard served on the 
board of the East Yuma County Soil Conservation District and was 
awarded the Bullshippers award from the Farm and Ranch Association for 
his outstanding service and leadership.
  Bernard was a dedicated family man, raised two children, Carolyn and 
Dan, had many grandchildren and was able to know his first great 
grandchild, Isabel Carolyn. Due to health problems, Bernard and DeVonna 
moved to Arizona. After DeVonna passed away in 1999, Bernard moved back 
to Colorado to be close to his family living in Glenwood Springs.
  Mr. Speaker, Bernard Kerst was a dedicated man who worked hard, 
supported his community and loved his family, and I am honored to pay 
tribute to him before this body of Congress today. I had the pleasure 
of knowing Bernard and worked with members of his family during my time 
in office, and I will miss his kind heart and wisdom. My thoughts and 
prayers go out to his family and friends during this time of 
bereavement.

                          ____________________