[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15882]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO OREM MAYOR JERRY C. WASHBURN

 Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, today I wish to speak about the 
passing last month of Orem Mayor Jerry C. Washburn, one of Utah's 
finest public servants and a man who was beloved by those who had the 
pleasure of knowing and serving with him.
  Mayor Washburn passed away September 26, 2011, after a long and 
courageous battle with cancer. Of Utah's many great public servants, it 
is difficult to find one finer than Jerry. His legacy of compassionate 
care and service to others will endure forever in the heads and hearts 
of his family, friends, and many constituents and admirers.
  Jerry Washburn lived in his city of Orem for over half a century and 
served as its mayor for 11 years. He was elected to four terms and was 
the longest serving mayor in Orem's history. The reason for his 
political success is the same as it was for his success in all his 
endeavors. He was unfailingly kind and friendly to everyone he met, and 
he had a wonderful ability to put people at ease. He listened 
respectfully to all opinions and appreciated a thoughtful exchange of 
ideas. Mayor Washburn also was a natural leader, and he was highly 
respected by national, State, and local officials. He had an excellent 
relationship with the Orem City Council and city staff.
  During his time in office, Mayor Washburn presided over Orem with a 
steady hand and a gentle touch. He continually worked to build others 
and to strengthen the community by supporting a diverse array of 
projects and programs. His focus as mayor was preserving and enhancing 
the quality of life in Orem. In this endeavor, he helped keep Orem as 
one of the safest cities in America and ensured that it remained 
``Family City USA.'' Mayor Washburn also worked hard to support Orem's 
many businesses and a strong economic base.
  But Jerry Washburn's service and influence were not limited to Orem. 
He enjoyed his association with other leaders and organizations. He 
served as chairman of the Utah County Transportation Planning 
Organization and as chairman of the Utah County Board of Health. The 
mayor also was a founding board member of the Utah Lake Commission, 
served as president of the Orem Chamber of Commerce, and was a founding 
member of the Commission for Economic Development in Orem. He was also 
a successful businessman, owning a car dealership in Orem and serving 
on the regional board of a Utah bank and as director of a local credit 
union. He was accomplished both politically and professionally.
  Jerry Washburn's motive for serving was simple. He wanted to help 
others and the community and State that he so dearly loved. His credo 
was: ``If not me, who? If not now, when?'' He never sought rewards or 
recognition, but his service was so stellar that it did not go 
unrecognized. In fact, he received the Boy Scouts Silver Beaver Award, 
the Arthur V. Watkins Outstanding Citizen Award, and the Brigham Young 
University Emeriti Alumni Award.
  Jerry Washburn was also an active member of the Church and Jesus 
Christ of Latter-day Saints. Demonstrating his faith and commitment to 
God, he served his fellow church members--without financial 
remuneration--in a variety of leadership positions. His was a life 
based on an abiding love of his family, his church, and his fellow man. 
Perhaps that is why in the political arena--known more for discord than 
harmony--Jerry Washburn had few, if any, enemies and so many friends. 
He loved and respected people, and they loved and respected him in 
return.
  In one of his last discussions with trusted colleague and confidant, 
Orem City Manager Bruce Chesnut, Mayor Washburn said, ``No matter what 
happens, I'm ready.'' Well, Mr. Mayor, the City of Orem, the State of 
Utah, and the Nation were not ready to see you go.
  Our thoughts and prayers at this time are with his cherished family, 
including his wife, Betty, his 6 children and 19 grandchildren.
  Mayor Jerry Washburn will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live 
on through his wife, children, grandchildren, beloved community, and in 
the countless lives he has blessed and touched during his remarkable 
service.

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