Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Legislative Memorials topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Utah House pauses to mourn former Congressman Wayne Owens
Summary
Members of the Utah House offered tributes on Dec. 18 after the sudden death of former U.S. Rep. Wayne Owens, recounting his work on Watergate, the Central Utah Project and Middle East peacemaking.
Representative Becker told the House the chamber had learned that former U.S. Rep. Wayne Owens died suddenly in Tel Aviv; members described his public service and personal qualities.
"He was a person of immense integrity and authority," Becker said, calling Owens a mentor to many. Representative Hatch said he had been "shocked" by the news and described Owens as a man of great integrity from his hometown. Representative Leon recalled meeting Owens during the Watergate hearings and praised his efforts to connect across the state's political divides. Representative Peck and others shared memories of Owens's accessibility and constituent service.
Speakers noted Owens's role in Watergate-era work, his leadership on the Central Utah Project and the Central Utah Completion Act, and his later work with the Center on Middle East Peace and other diplomatic efforts. The House observed the remembrances before returning to legislative business.
