[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13839]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF FORMER WASHINGTON STATE SENATOR BOB MORTON, A 
             LIFELONG ADVOCATE FOR NORTHEASTERN WASHINGTON

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 8, 2015

  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, in August, Washington State lost 
one of our best, former Washington State Senator Bob Morton. Today, I 
rise to celebrate his life and the legacy he leaves behind in 
Northeastern Washington.
  Before winning election to the Washington State House of 
Representatives, Bob was a farmer, flew as a bush pilot in Alaska and 
cloud seeder in Spokane, and was a logger in Northeastern Washington. 
Bob was also a minister and helped perform my wedding ceremony to my 
husband, Brian.
  In 1990, Senator Morton was elected to the Washington State House of 
Representatives, where he served until his appointment to the 
Washington State Senate in 1994. In the Senate, Senator Morton was a 
tireless champion for the 7th legislative district in Northeastern 
Washington, focusing on issues closest to his constituents and serving 
as Chair of the Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee and Chair 
of the Agriculture & Environment Committee. He believed in the people 
and the way of life we enjoy in Northeastern Washington. He was most 
comfortable in cowboy boots and a cowboy hat. He passionately fought 
for our priorities which on one occasion, led him to be graveled down 
by the President of the Senate for blowing a railroad whistle on the 
Senate floor when he thought he was being railroaded by legislation.
  Ahead of his time to promote forest health, Senator Morton championed 
the idea of thinning the trees in our forests in order that they may be 
less susceptible to catastrophic fire. He also spearheaded efforts to 
develop a statewide plan to preserve the health of forests across 
Washington State. Senator Morton also advocated to protect water rights 
for agriculture use and to defend livestock from wild animal predation.
  In 2006, Senator Morton was instrumental in passing historical water 
legislation that sought out new water supplies through the construction 
of new storage facilities and conservation measures. During this time, 
he was also known for carrying around a seven foot tall pole that 
depicted the flow of the Columbia River. At the bill signing ceremony, 
Senator Morton presented this pole to Governor Gregoire as a gift.
  Senator Morton was also passionate about compiling and distributing 
an annual salmon report. He was committed to protecting our way of life 
even if it meant proposing to split the state in two.
  Senator Morton was extremely well liked and respected, not only by 
his constituents and staff, but by Senators on both sides of the aisle. 
A man of strong convictions, he epitomized a perfect gentleman, 
respectful of all viewpoints and always ready with just the right words 
to say.
  On a personal note, Bob was my mentor, a role model, an inspiration, 
and constant encouragement. As Senator, he was a tremendous example 
both in his devotion to God and to his community. As a young college 
graduate, I had the distinct honor of working for Bob as his 
legislative aide while he served in the Washington State House of 
Representatives. Bob took a chance on me--he believed in me and I will 
forever be grateful for his support and encouragement.
  I rise to thank Senator Bob Morton for his years of dedication and 
service to Northeastern Washington. Bob lived his life to demonstrate 
God's love. Whenever I see someone with a cowboy hat walking the halls 
of Congress, I will fondly remember State Senator Bob Morton, his love 
for God, and for people. My thoughts and prayers remain with his wife, 
Linda, his children, and other family members and friends. They don't 
come any better than Bob Morton.

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