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[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 114 (Monday, July 30, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S5656]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                        REMEMBERING NEIL McMURRY

  Mr. BARRASSO. Madam President, Wyoming has experienced an incredible 
loss. I rise today to remember one of Wyoming's most beloved citizens, 
Neil McMurry. On Thursday, July 19, 2012, Neil passed away at the age 
of 88. During his remarkable life, Neil made a profound and lasting 
contribution to the Casper community and the great State of Wyoming.
  Neil was a successful entrepreneur, a committed citizen, and a good 
friend. Throughout his life, Neil always demonstrated an enduring 
commitment to his family, Wyoming, and our Nation. He loved his family. 
He loved his home State of Wyoming. He loved his country.
  Ann Chambers Noble, a Wyoming author, recently wrote Neil's 
biography, ``Hurry McMurry: W.N. `Neil' McMurry, Wyoming 
Entrepreneur.'' The title appropriately describes this extraordinary 
man. He grew up during the Great Depression, and saw firsthand the 
impact it had on his community. In 1941, Neil joined the U.S. Army Air 
Corps. He flew over 29 missions in Europe as a turret gunner on a B-17 
aircraft during World War II.
  Following his brave service to our Nation, Neil returned to Wyoming 
to raise a family and start a very successful business career. Neil was 
a man with determination, integrity, and a strong work ethic. He 
recognized the vast opportunities and great potential Wyoming has to 
offer. In 1949, he saw opportunity in constructing roads and highways 
across Wyoming. Along with his business partner, Vern Rissler, the 
Rissler-McMurry Company became one of the largest highway construction 
companies in Wyoming. The company built much of Wyoming's 
transportation routes.
  While many people would have retired after running a successful 
contracting firm for over three decades, Neil was on the lookout for 
new opportunities. Neil and his business partners, John Martin and Mick 
McMurry, had a hunch that significant natural gas was in the Jonah 
Field in southwest Wyoming. In 1991, the McMurry Oil Company purchased 
wells and mineral leases in the Jonah area. His vision and willingness 
to take a risk turned into a natural gas play of historic proportions.
  Neil McMurry will be remembered for his successful business endeavors 
that created thousands of jobs for the people in Wyoming. His efforts 
and entrepreneurial spirit significantly impacted Wyoming's economy.
  While his business abilities will continue to be admired, it will be 
his selfless devotion to others and his willingness to give back to his 
community that will forever keep his memory in the hearts of the people 
of Wyoming. His charitable donations made a difference in the lives of 
people in his community.
  Even though he lived a long life, Neil left us too soon. His 
remarkable contributions to the youth of Wyoming will be honored on 
August 7 by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming. While this 
would have been just one of many honors, it was very special to Neil. 
Through the generosity of the McMurry Foundation, Neil and his family 
have given unprecedented levels of support to Wyoming organizations 
particularly organizations supporting our youth.
  My wife Bobbi and I will truly miss him. We are blessed that Neil was 
our friend and grateful for the moments we spent together. During this 
time of such great loss, we find solace in knowing that the legacy of 
Neil McMurry will live on.
  Bobbi and I extend our deepest sympathy to the McMurry family. We 
wish his family all of our best and send our prayers to each of them.

                          ____________________
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