Date: 1997-06-25
Speaker: BOB SCHAFFER (republican)
Chamber: H
State: Colorado

Mr. Speaker. I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to the contributions of a fine gentleman who has recently passed on. His contributions to this world have had a profound impact upon the lives he touched. Mr. Joseph Haefeli is the man to whom I am referring. He came from Gods country. the great State of Colorado in the city of Greeley. Mr. Haefeli was taken from us and called home to the Lord on March 15. 1997. Mr. Haefeli was born on October 11. 1919. He attended the University of Northern Colorado. graduated from the University of California at Berkeley. and was a practicing doctor of optometry for 46 years. Part of his practice he served in the U.S. Air Force during World War 11. Joseph Haefeli and his wife Julianne parented three children. John. Anne and Joseph. His daughter. Anne. gave him two wonderful grandchildren. Joseph Haefeli defined the true meaning of giving to ones community. It would be hard to match his record of involvement in the community and his dedication to charity. Joseph Haefeli was a -member and -past president of the Weld County Mental Health Association. - member and past president of the Weld County United Way Board. chairman of the Well County Chapter of the American Red Cross. -chairman of the Rotary Crippled Childrens Committee. executive board member of the Longs Peak Council of Boy Scouts. member and trust chairman of the St. Marys Catholic Church Council. chairman and board member of the Greeley Chapter of the Silvation Army. Joseph Haefeli was awarded and named Distinguished Member of the U.S. Army Medical Regent by order of -the Surgeon General. He went on to receive numerous honors from organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce. the Red .Cross. the Lions Club. Rotary International. and the Colorado Optometric Association. and many others. Sir Joseph.Haefeli was also vested as a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem in 1984. a Catholic organization that strives to sustain the spiritual life of all of its members and to support the church in Jerusalem. the Holy Land. The Order works to provide its members with a solid spiritual basis from which they can conduct their lives. Joseph Haefeli excelled in the Order and was not only a Knight of the Order. but was promoted Knight Commander with Star in 1996. This is a papal honor and the highest papal award to clergy or laity alike. It was through this Order that I came into contact with Sir Joseph Haefeli. This pin that I wear on my lapel right above my congressional pin is the insignia of the Order and a signal of my brotherhood and fellowship with Joseph in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. He sponsored me as a Knight of the Order which has brought deeper meaning to my spiritual life. Sir John Owens wrote of Joseph Haefeli. "His life was devoted to his church and his fellow man and has brought credit and respect to them both." Mr. Speaker. it is people like Joseph Haefeli who define the American spirit. that make our country so wonderful. The actions of a person like Joseph Haefeli are what gives us hope for a better tomorrow. If we could each give half of what he has contributed. this country would be a far better place for our children and our families. Joe composed a prayer that I would like to share with the Members of the House entitled "From My Heart." It is indicative of his devotion and a clear sign of his rightful place now among the saints. "I am a selfish man. dear.Lord. I have so much and still want more. I want to be more generous and more kind. More loving and more benign. To do more good and be more thoughtful And less sinful. Even though You have blessed me many times. I want and ask Your blessings To continue in my time. I want acceptance of your will. Your guidance and Your rule. To thank You for all of my happiness. My sorrow and hurt too. Each brings me nearer. Lord. to You. I want and ask for Your forgiveness And mercy also. I want to praise You as my God and thank You For all you have done for me. What I really want the most is what You want for me. Jesus. I am a selfish manmaybe yes. maybe no Because I want my family. my friends and all To share these wants and Your answers too. Lord. I know You understand. Help me to know what You want from me. Amen." -Written by Sir Joseph Haefeli. November of 1994. Mr. Speaker. Mr. Haefeli will be missed and remembered always as a great American. Our prayers that the Lord might bless and protect his family and descendents. may his soul and all the souls of the faithfully departed. through the mercy bf God. rest in peace.