[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Pages 18919-18920]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   REMEMBERING GOVERNOR OLENE WALKER

  Mr. LEE. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Governor Olene 
Walker, Utah's 15th Governor, who passed away on Saturday, November 28, 
2015, at the age of 85. She was the first woman to serve as Utah's 
Governor, worked as Lieutenant Governor for over 11 years, and was a 
member of the Utah Legislature for 8 years.
  Olene Walker will be remembered and revered by Utahns not because of 
the many firsts she pioneered in politics but for her commitment to 
leave a legacy of public and, more importantly, private service based 
on principles that truly last. Olene Walker's life and career were 
centered in the principles of lifelong learning, selfless service, and 
making a difference through civil discourse and meaningful dialogue.
  Governor Walker believed that the best way to open a mind was to read 
a book. Immediately upon becoming Governor, she launched her Read With 
a Child Program, focused on getting adults to read with a child for 20 
minutes every day. She knew that 20 minutes of daily reading would not 
only transform children across the State by getting them to read at or 
above grade level, but it would transport them to magical places, big 
ideas, and brighter futures. Because she became Governor at the age of 
73--and as a grandmother--I think she also recognized that 20 minutes 
of reading with a child would inspire the adults in the State of Utah 
as well.
  Governor Walker was never far from a book or a group of children to 
read to, often choosing her personal favorite from Dr. Seuss, ``Oh, the 
Places You'll Go!'' Governor Walker went many places in her public 
service but sent thousands and thousands of Utah children on adventures 
never to be forgotten in the wonderful world of good books. She was 
living proof that books expand the mind and that a mind expanded, 
especially the mind of a child, could never return to its original 
state. I was inspired when reading her obituary that the last line, in 
typical Olene Walker style, stated: ``In lieu of flowers, please read 
with a child.'' Her commitment to the principle of lifelong learning is 
a legacy in and of itself.
  Governor Walker also understood that it didn't really matter where 
she served, but how she served. Whether working alongside her husband 
in the family's snack business, in the legislature or in the Governor's 
office, Olene Walker knew that her time on this Earth would never be 
measured by the titles she held but by the impact and influence that 
she had on others. She understood and lived by the adage: ``We are to 
live our lives not by days, but by deeds, not by seasons, but by 
service.'' After leaving the Governor's mansion, she participated in 
literacy forums, served an LDS mission with her husband in New York, 
and at an age when most people slow down, Olene Walker took on a new 
and, many would say, daunting challenge of leading dozens of 3- to 11-
year-old children for 2 hours every Sunday in her LDS congregation.
  Governor Walker served with confidence, charisma, and charm that was 
elevating and at the same time enlightening. National political 
players, rural farmers, business executives, and children were equally 
inspired by her energetic approach, and they responded to her 
invitation to engage because they sensed that what they were about to 
experience was not about Governor Walker; it was about them.
  In an age of egomaniacs and narcissists, Olene Walker's example of 
selfless service in high office is a model for all to follow--a model 
that all people should try to emulate. Governor Walker also understood 
the principle that mean-spirited arguments produce little, while 
meaningful dialogue creates much. She was known for her disarming style 
and for her corresponding ability to pull people into a conversation. 
She believed and lived by a motto

[[Page 18920]]

that my office is committed to. The solution to any and every problem 
begins when someone says: Let's talk about it. Olene Walker challenged 
political candidates, elected officials of both parties, and young 
people in particular to transcend the talk-radio style bombast in 
personal attacks in favor of civil, serious, and substantive 
discussions. The Olene S. Walker Institute of Politics & Public 
Service, at her beloved Weber State University, is a testament to her 
commitment to make a difference through a more meaningful and deeper 
dialogue.
  A picture of Olene Walker taken inside the Governor's mansion 
contains an interesting image that illuminates much of what Olene 
Walker was really all about. Resting on a desk in the background of the 
picture is a statue of a vibrant, energetic, pioneering Brigham Young. 
He is walking swiftly, leading with staff in hand, eyes set on a bright 
future as he began the audacious endeavor of being the first to 
establish a lasting legacy in the tops of the Rocky Mountains. In the 
picture, the statue of Brigham Young almost appears to be trying to 
keep up with Governor Walker. Only Olene Walker could get a 
trailblazing Brigham Young to pick up the pace. Governor Walker, 
likewise, was a pioneer and a trailblazer, moving swiftly, leading with 
a clear vision of a better society, and guided by her principles of 
lifelong learning, selfless service, and civil dialogue. Her life of 
many firsts will be celebrated and emulated for generations to come 
because it was founded on and inspired by such principles--principles 
that will truly last.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Colorado.

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