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[Pages S5745-S5746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
REMEMBERING BOB ANDERSON
Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, today, along with Senator Tina
Smith of Minnesota, I rise to acknowledge the passing of a longtime
advocate, mayor, and friend, International Falls Mayor Bob Anderson,
who died unexpectedly on September 20, 2019. Described by those who
knew him as the ``voice and face of International Falls,'' Bob spent
five decades in public service to the hometown and community he loved.
A lifelong resident of International Falls and graduate of Rainy
River Community College, Bob spent 51 years working for the local Boise
paper mill, including 25 as the public affairs manager for the Boise
Cascade Corporation.
Bob was passionate about his community, and his love was reflected in
his years of dedication to the airport, hospital, Highway 53 Task
Force, the county, anything and everything connected to his beloved
International Falls. He truly left his mark on his beloved hometown
from his seats on the city council, the chamber of commerce, and as its
devoted mayor--serving first from 1968 to 1986 and then elected again
in 2013. And he still wasn't done; he had made clear that he was fully
intending to seek another term next year.
Bob was also dedicated to improving communities across Minnesota
through decades of service on numerous statewide committees and
advocacy organizations, including as a president of the League of
Minnesota Cities, as a member of the Minnesota Forestry Association,
and as chairman of our Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.
He also chaired the International Falls-Koochiching County Airport
Commission for over 30 years, helping to secure Federal grant money for
the airport that serves as a major corridor between the ``icebox of the
Nation'' and those who flock to the area to hunt, fish, and enjoy the
beauty of northern Minnesota. Earlier this year and in large part due
to Bob's efforts, the International Falls Airport opened a brand new
terminal.
The airport was just one of the many legacies Bob leaves behind. In
the words of Representative Rob Ecklund of International Falls, ``You
can't go anywhere in northern Minnesota without seeing his fingerprint
on it, from airports to roads. He left a tremendous lasting imprint.''
We are thankful we were able to work with Bob on so many of these
projects--from economic development initiatives to youth programs--and
will
[[Page S5746]]
always remember him as a tireless champion for small towns and the
outdoors.
In his final state of the city address, delivered just weeks ago, Bob
summed up progress in his community, saying ``There is a lot of
sunshine and a few dark clouds, but overall it's positive.'' We hope
during this time of loss for both our State and Bob's family, his wife
Carol, three children, and five grandchildren will take solace in
remembering all the sunshine Bob blessed us with.
____________________