Michael Baumgartner

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dr. Glen Lamar Hower, who passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025, at the age of 90. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, educator, and friend, Dr. Hower's legacy of unwavering commitment to family, friends, students, and community is a testament to his character and values. Born in 1934, in Dryden, Washington, Dr. Hower's love for the outdoors defined much of his life. He hiked and fished for over seven decades, exploring at least 867 different mountain lakes and documenting his adventures through thousands of slides that captured the beauty of Eastern Washington. His work with the Boy Scouts farther demonstrated his dedication to nature, as he led 50-mile hikes and took over 250 scouts on backpacking trips, inspiring generations to appreciate the outdoors. In 1956, Dr. Hower married Juanita Jane Myers, with whom he raised three children: Karen, Dan, and Dave. Their home was filled with love, laughter, and traditions such as camping, hiking, and backpacking. Later, as a grandfather and great-grandfather, he created the ``Annual Grandkids Backpacking Trip,'' a cherished tradition that lasted for years. A dedicated educator, Dr. Hower earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering from Washington State University (WSU) and his Ph.D. from Stanford University. He spent 43 years at WSU as a professor, advisor, and mentor, teaching 125 classes and guiding nearly 5,500 students. Dr. Hower was honored with numerous awards, including the 1992 Outstanding Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the 1996 Golden Key National Honor Society Advisor of the Year. Yet, it was his deep relationships with his students that meant the most to him. Dr. Hower's impact went beyond academia. His integrity, selflessness, and dedication to others shaped the lives of those he mentored, taught, and loved. After his wife Juanita passed away in 2010, he found love again with Gloria Tinder Hower and they spent 12 happy years together, creating lasting memories. Dr. Hower is survived by his wife, Gloria; his children and their spouses; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a large extended family. He is also survived by his lifelong colleagues, students, and friends. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Glen Lamar Hower's life was one of profound impact and grace. He made the world a better place through his service, mentorship, and love for his family. While he will be deeply missed, his legacy will continue to inspire all those he touched. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending condolences to Dr. Hower's family and remembering a man whose life was defined by his dedication to others. May his memory live on in all of us.

Mr. BAUMGARTNER

Mr. BAUMGARTNER. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted AYE on Roll Call No. 31.