[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12511]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




CELEBRATING 80TH BIRTHDAY OF GERALD (JERRY) KOPEL AND 56TH ANNIVERSARY 
                       OF JERRY AND DOLORES KOPEL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 2008

  Ms. DeGETTE. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize a dual celebration 
for two distinguished members of the First Congressional District. This 
week the Kopel family of Denver celebrates the 80th Birthday of Gerald 
(Jerry) Kopel and the 56th Anniversary of the marriage between Jerry 
and Dolores Kopel.
  Jerry and Dolores have led an interesting and engaged life together, 
balancing careers in journalism, law, politics, and policy. They were 
the original ``power couple'' long before dual careers were more 
outwardly prevalent and socially acceptable. What is truly admirable is 
the Kopels managed to pursue these accomplishments while raising a 
family and contributing to the broader well-being of our community.
  Dolores and Jerry met at the University of Colorado when Jerry was 
city editor of the Silver and Gold newspaper and Dolores was a 
reporter. Jerry graduated from the University and Dolores transferred 
to the University of Denver College of Law. They married at the end of 
her first year of law school, while Jerry was working for the Rocky 
Mountain News.
  Dolores graduated from law school cum laude in June 1954. Jerry 
enrolled in law school in January 1955 but continued to pull night 
shifts at the Rocky Mountain News as a copy editor. In 1958, Jerry 
graduated cum laude from the University of Denver. The Kopels had the 
unique experience of practicing law together until 1979, when Dolores 
was appointed U.S. Trustee for the District of Colorado and Kansas.
  In the Kopels' life-long dedication to giving back to the community 
and preparing the next generation for careers in law, Jerry directed a 
review course for law students preparing for the Colorado bar exam from 
1958 through 1985.
  In 1964, Jerry combined his background in journalism and his law 
degree to become an influential member of the Democratic Party. He 
served as state representative for a total of twenty-two years, 
spanning two decades.
  Jerry was known as the consummate legislator, reading every bill and 
every amendment that came before the House chamber. He carried 110 
bills as chief sponsor, including the nation's first sunset law.
  Jerry's 22 years in the State Legislature and his extensive 
involvement in community issues and Colorado politics are encapsulated 
in ``The Gerald Kopel Papers,'' which are housed in the Denver Public 
Library's Western History Collection. The papers are perhaps the most 
extensive archive of the public career of any American state legislator 
from the 20th century.
  After retiring from the Legislature in 1992, Jerry continued to 
produce a printed newsletter, titled ``Jerry Kopel's Report'' until 
1998. However, for many years, Jerry prepared weekly reports for House 
Democrats and suggested amendments to bills being debated on the House 
floor.
  Since retirement, Jerry has returned to journalism. He writes a 
weekly column for the Colorado Statesman and other newspapers and has 
joined the technological age with an extensive Web site chronicling his 
columns and exhibiting his extensive knowledge of Colorado politics, 
law, and history.
  Over the years, Jerry has won numerous awards from the Colorado Press 
Association, most recently in 2006 in the Public Service writing 
category. All of his 600-some columns were edited by his wife, Dolores. 
Both Jerry and Dolores have received recognition from the Denver Bar 
Association for 50 years of practice. Their son, David, is an attorney 
and author who is a columnist for the Rocky Mountain News.
  Jerry is also an accomplished cocktail pianist, and has entertained 
at many local functions. He has issued several fine CD's which are in 
my personal collection.
  I have personally known Jerry and Dolores for many years, eagerly 
accepting Jerry's sage advice on politics and I am an ardent reader of 
his weekly columns. Jerry and Dolores have had a distinctive lifetime 
at the forefront of Colorado politics, policy, and history and their 
commitment to public service and the betterment of their fellow 
Coloradans serves as a sterling example for younger generations and 
those entering public policy careers.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Kopel and his wife 
Dolores a wonderful 56th Anniversary and Jerry a healthy and prosperous 
80th birthday and pay tribute to their longstanding service and 
dedication to the City of Denver and the State of Colorado.

                          ____________________