The publication is reproduced in full below:
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF JOHN ANDERSON
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HON. JOE COURTNEY
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Monday, July 26, 2021
Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to honor the life of the late John K. Anderson, of Vernon, Connecticut, who passed away suddenly on June 16, 2021, at the age of 74. Known by family and close friends as Johnny, his military service, civic engagement, and devotion to his family and the greater Vernon community warrants the utmost praise and recognition.
Born to Merrill and Isabelle Anderson of Manchester, Connecticut, John began his early years fanning what would become a life dedicated to public service. After graduating from Manchester High School in 1965, John went on to serve in the United States Air Force as an Aircraft Maintenance Specialist and crew leader. He served overseas in Germany, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Greece before receiving an Honorable Discharge and returning home to Connecticut. With his return home and affinity for hard work, John hit the ground running and opened his own business. His business smarts and entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him into the automotive trade where he joined the team at Bolle's Motor Sales in Ellington, Connecticut. A natural people person--John excelled at the dealership and fostered strong relationships with his coworkers and clients. It was this ability to communicate naturally with folks from all walks of life that led John to dedicate the latter half of his life toward building a positive impact on the lives of others within his local community.
From his leadership at the Water Pollution Control Authority to being one of Vernon's Registrar of Voters--John embarked on a path of serving in municipal government that set his legacy as a leader of the public in stone. During part of his tenure, I was the Vernon town attorney and had the opportunity to see up close his calm practical approach to solving problems. With his wealth of knowledge of the town and its voting operations, and dedication to public service, registrars from around the state would go to John with their questions. At a time when the integrity of our nation's elections has become subject to doubt and controversy, John's service in recent years was particularly valuable. No one questioned his performance or work--not for one moment.
John epitomized what it meant to be a kind and caring citizen in a small town and always sought opportunities to engage with his community. John was also known for his regular penmanship of editorials in the local news and his nuanced perspective on civic issues that impacted the community.
While we remember John as a leader in public service--we also remember him as a man who truly loved his family, friends, and neighbors--a love that drove him to enhance his community even further. John, like all of us, was someone who filled his life with passions and hobbies--two of which were baseball and golf. An avid Red Sox fan and great golfer, John used sports as another avenue to connect to his community and was a youth baseball coach and a volunteer at the annual Thanksgiving Day Manchester Road Race.
Madam Speaker, it is an honor to represent constituents as honorable and impactful as John Anderson. While we all mourn his loss, we can at least find solace that his memory lives on through his surviving family: his children Carly, Lauren, Justin and grandchildren; sister Carol; brother Rick; and four grandchildren. His life will also continue to live on through countless others as the stoic example he has set has now been woven into the very fabric of the Vernon community. To that end, I find it fitting that we, the People's House, set his name and character into the Congressional Record and ask that the entire House join me in recognizing the life of John K. Anderson, never forgetting his impact on the greater Vernon community through his civic and military service.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 130
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